Sugary drinks are still a problem

Cutting back on sugary drinks such as soda is something that even I find hard to do. Sometimes it is the only type of drink that sounds refreshing and has flavor. However, I do notice a huge difference in how I feel and even look when I begin to cut back on those types of drinks.

Another blogger, pediatrician Dr. Claire McCarthy, posted about this topic as well and pointed to three different studies regarding the effects sugar-sweetened beverages have on children. One of the ones mentioned was conducted in the Netherlands and it found that when they gave normal-weight kids one can a day of a sugar-sweetened beverage, they gained more weight than those who got a sugar-free beverage over a 18 month period.

McCarthy then emphasized that these drinks are not the contributing factor to obesity but they are definitely a heavy contributor.

I think it's time that I start listening to this advice geared toward kids, because I do not want these decisions I keep making to affect my long term health. Adults are just as susceptible to the increase of obesity and as a younger adult I need to be setting an example of a healthy lifestyle.

Next time, it should be a clear choice.

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