
Rethinking Our Drinks
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As CDC data makes clear, food, not beverages, is actually the top contributor of added sugars in the American diet. Beverage intake comprises a relatively small portion of the calories we take in. All sugar-sweetened beverages combined attribute just 6%, and soda contributes just 4% of the calories in the American diet.
With that said soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages can be enjoyed in moderation, just like other sources of calories. It’s also important to note that diet soda is 99% water and is a beneficial weight loss tool when combined with an overall regimen. We would also add that FDA-approved energy drinks are safe, and most have far less caffeine than a comparable-size cup of coffeehouse coffee.
When it comes to optimal health, it’s the overall caloric and activity balance that matters – a message our industry is promoting via its Balance Calories Initiative.
I assume you represent the perspective of the bottled-beverage industry.
My topic here was the importance of adequate hydration. I don't think your response does anything to negate the five bullet points or additional information in my post above, all of which suggest reasons for staying with plain tap water* to satisfy the body's need for fluids.
*The recent and ongoing investigations into the water quality in some municipal systems raise a very different set of concerns I may address in future posts.
We bought a Zero water filter and it is producing the greatest water I've ever drank. I highly recommend them.
Absolutely true. Water, pure plain water is the best hydration you can get. Everything else you need you can get from your diet. (Except in very special circumstances)
Our water in Oklahoma is pretty bad. The drought has affected the lakes and even tap water has made my children sick. It's so bad, the county has informed us we need to boil the water that they bring us. I've used water filters in the past, but it hasn't affected the smell and only dulled the taste. I like bottled water.
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