Think Your Drink
Sugar sweetened beverages are the largest single source of empty calories in the American diet.
Not so long ago Americans drank water, milk and an occasional 8-ounce soda. The sweetened beverage industry has skyrocketed and now we're chugging an amazing array of sodas, coffees, sweet teas and energy, sports and juice drinks. It seems everywhere you turn there’s a super- sized, high cal drink. This comes at a high price to our waistlines, health, wallets and environment.
Sweetened beverages pour on the pounds. As nutrition spokesperson, Michael Jacobson, puts it, “Quite simply, there is no other food or beverage in the American diet that promotes weight gain and obesity to the extent that soft drinks do.” Kids that grow up on them don't get the good nutrition they need.
Dental decay and osteoporosis are also on the rise due, in part, to our sweetened beverage habits. Sleep deprivation is alarmingly common and caffeinated drinks play a role by keeping some of us at night. And it’s not just the unhealthy ingredients these drinks add to our diets, it’s also what they take away. Sweet drinks displace water, milk and fruit. This is bad news for children who are growing and need the best nutrition. The average American household spends $850 a year on soft drinks alone and our landfills are overflowing with the containers.
Drinks that should only be consumed in moderation have become staples of the American diet. we drink them because they're everywhere! Use the tools on this site to educate and inspire you and your family to Think Your Drink and put Water First.
