Dirty Pop

No, no, I'm not talking about the terrible ear worm by 'NSync (sorry, I just had to), I'm talking about soda, pop, coke, whatever you want to call it - It's dirty and so incredibly terrible for your health. Today I want to discuss why we (by we I mean, you, occasionally me) continue to drink it. And also offer some better alternatives.

My co-worker and I were discussing pop this morning and he brought up a good point - What if all food companies were forced to market and name their products for what they actually are and what they do... Example: Instead of "Coca Cola" on the can it reads - High Fructose Corn Syrup in a Can! 30 Tbsp of Sugar in a Can! Get Your Monthly Dose of Aspartame in ONE CAN (Warning: Also linked to causing Cancer)!  DRINK ME to Easily Pack on an Extra 10, 20 or even 50 pounds!


You get my point.

Do you think as many individuals would continue to drink it if it were labeled this way? You're right, maybe they would... I mean, all the health risks are printed right on the packs of cigarettes and bottles of alcohol... But, I'm willing to bet not quite as many would if we were to be more frank with our warnings.

The worst thing about consuming soft drinks are the lingering effects. You don't just drink and it passes, the consequences of the chemicals contained in soda stick around for a while...

Here’s some of the ingredients that are contained in some of your fav go-to refreshments and their negative health effects: (Courtesy of www.oleda.com):

Phosphoric Acid: May interfere with the body's ability to use calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis or softening of the teeth and bones. Phosphoric acid also neutralizes the hydrochloric acid in your stomach, which can interfere with digestion, making it difficult to utilize nutrients.

Sugar: Soft drink manufacturers are the largest single user of refined sugar in the United States. It is a proven fact that sugar increases insulin levels, which can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, premature aging and many more negative side effects. Most sodas include over 100 percent of the RDA (recommended daily amount) of sugar.

Aspartame: This chemical is used as a sugar substitute in diet soda. There are over 92 different health side 

effects associated with aspartame consumption including brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures. Further, when aspartame is stored for long periods of time or kept in warm areas it changes to methanol, an alcohol that converts to formaldehyde and formic acid, which are known carcinogens.

Obviously something is going to "get us" someday, right? But, I'm a believer in putting good fuel  in your body and being in control of yourself - Why not choose to do the body good?

Without further ado - Here are my favorite go-to refreshments that are much healthier and equally (if not more) refreshing.

WhoLey NicoLey's Citrus Spritzer

Fill 1 Large Tumbler with a Liberal Amount of Ice
Pour Sparkling Water (Soda Water) Over Ice
Squeeze Juice of 1 Lime Wedge, Lemon Wedge and Orange Wedge into Sparkling Water and stir the wedges, juice, ice and soda water together

Insert Straw and ENJOY!

Very little calories, a LOT of refreshment and best of all, it's proven that fruits and COLD beverages will naturally energize your body.

Iced Tea

Before you turn away or mock my unoriginal-ness of this suggestion, I just want to point out that sometimes we forget about the most simple things and how delicious they can be! Hear me out...

Bring a small pot of water to a boil and remove from heat.
Place two of your favorite tea bags in the water and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
Put the tea in a pitcher and store on the refrigerator - If you want a glass immediately, simply serve over ice with honey or a touch of raw sugar.

Gang, there are THOUSANDS of teas out there! Mint Tea has been my go-to this summer as it is so delicious and refreshing! Tea and Mint have fantastic health perks too (particularly gastrointestinal for the mint). Not to mention the added health perks of honey, especially locally purchased honey.

Fun Fact: Local honey contains natural antibiotics to any infections taking place in your area. Bees really are amazing little buggers (no pun intended, sorry for my cheesy-ness today).

Sip liberally - And quit with that dirty pop (don't lie... you know you're jammin' to that song right now)!

Cheers,
NCB