What are sugary drinks?
Sugary drinks (also known as sugar-sweetened beverages) are any liquids that are sweetened with added sugars. Beverages such as regular soda (not sugar-free), fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened waters, and coffee and tea beverages with added sugars are sugary drinks.
Why should I be concerned about sugary drinks?
People who often drink sugary drinks are more likely to face health problems, such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney diseases, non-alcoholic liver disease, tooth decay and cavities, and gout, a type of arthritis.
Limiting sugary drinks can help you maintain a healthy weight and have a healthy diet. Many people don’t realize just how much sugar and how many calories are in their drinks:
| Drink (12-ounce serving) | Teaspoons of Sugar | Calories |
| Tap or Bottled Water | 0 Teaspoons | 0 |
| Unsweetened Tea | 0 Teaspoons | 0 |
| Sports Drinks | 2 Teaspoons | 75 |
| Lemonade | 6 1/4 Teaspoons | 105 |
| Sweet Tea | 8 1/2 Teaspoons | 120 |
| Cola | 10 1/4 Teaspoons | 150 |
| Fruit Punch | 11 1/2 Teaspoons | 195 |
| Root Beer | 11 1/2 Teaspoons | 170 |
| Orange Cola | 13 Teaspoons | 210 |
Tricks to Rethink Your Drink:
Choose water (tap, bottled, or sparkling) over sugary drinks.
- Need more flavor? Add berries or slices of lime, lemon, or cucumber to water.
- Missing fizzy drinks? Add a splash of 100% juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.
- Need help breaking the habit? Don’t stock up on sugary drinks. Instead, keep a jug or bottles of cold water in the fridge.
- Water just won’t do? Reach for drinks that contain important nutrients such as low fat or fat free milk, fortified milk alternatives, or 100% fruit or vegetable juice first.
- At the coffee shop? Skip the flavored syrups or whipped cream. Ask for a drink with low fat or fat free milk, a milk alternative such as soy or almond, or get back to basics with black coffee.
- At the store? Read the Nutrition Facts Label to choose drinks that are low in calories, added sugars, and saturated fat.
- On the go? Carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
Remember that you can be a role model for your friends and family by choosing water and other healthy, low-calorie beverages.
Courtesy of https://www.cdc.gov/