AND tip of the day: Break the Bond with Sugary Drinks

 

TIP OF THE DAY

September 9, 2012

 

Break the Bond with Sugary Drinks

On average, one can of a soft drink accounts for about 140 calories. Consuming a soft drink every day can translate into about 14 pounds of weight gain a year! If you drink 3 and half soft drinks per day, you could gain one pound per week.
If you have made a habit out of consuming one or more sugary sodas or drinks per day, it might be hard to break. But there are some tips you can use to help reduce your sugar intake:

• Learn which items contain sugar and how much. For example a 32-ounce soda has about 104 grams of sugar, which equals 26 teaspoons. Ask yourself, "Could I eat 26 teaspoons of sugar?"
• Ask yourself, Why am I addicted to sugar? Are you depressed, bored, angry or stressed out? If you can pinpoint that when you are feeling stressed out you reach for a soda, it will make it easier to wean sugary drinks out of your life by reaching for water or a non-sugary drink.
• Instead of sugary drinks, replace them with a healthier option. Try flavored water or low-fat or fat-free milk.
• Stop buying sugary drinks or treats. If they are not in your house you will be less tempted to eat them.
• Find ways to divert your mind if you have a craving. Try reading, exercise or hanging out with a friend.

For more information on cutting back on sugary drinks, consult a registered dietitian in your area and visit Healthy Weight.