Remember when your parents would let you have a soda as a special treat? Growing up in suburban Pennsylvania, my parents would occasionally let us have soda if we were having pizza or going to the movies. Now it seems like everywhere we turn, kids and adults are swilling down huge high calorie sodas or their no calorie alternative. While the sweet taste and bubbles are enjoyable, remember that sodas have no nutritional value. Research is finding that many children and teens who drink sodas instead of milk or 100% juices are more likely to be overweight and obese. Research done on adolescent soda-drinking girls has found them to be at a higher risk for osteoporosis later in life due to low calcium intake.

There's nothing wrong with having a treat every now and then. It's just when that treat, whether it is a soda, candy, fast-food meals or cookies, becomes a steady part of the diet that we see poor dietary habits and weight gain.

For more information on healthy eating, call or email me!

This is general information only and should not replace advice or instructions given to you by your physician.

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