Sister to Sister

From our Daily Tips: "Hands off the soda, especially diet soda."

Okay, let’s not fool ourselves. Drinking soda in general isn’t the best thing for your health, but neither is drinking diet soda. In fact, according to some, drinking diet soda is even more hazardous to your health than regular soda.

In 2005, a study conducted by Sharon P. Fowler, MPH, and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio found that drinkers of diet soda did not lose weight. In fact, they were 41% more likely to gain weight that those who drank regular soda — and they had an increased risk of obesity!

Research also indicates that drinking soda and diet soda increases cravings, which in the end, increases overall calorie intake. However, the main reason to steer clear of soda, besides the caffeine, high acidity, calories and increased craving sensation, is that it contains both sugar and high-fructose corn syrup – both damaging to one's health.

I'm fortunate in that I don't drink diet soda or any soda for that matter. I say fortunate because I know it's hard to stop something cold turkey as I have the biggest sweet tooth ever, and no matter what I try, my hand always seems to find some sugar. But, that is another story for another day.

Bonus Tip: If you're determined to steer clear of sodas but don't want to waste the ones you've already bought, you can still put your beverages to use by cleaning! Soda can work as a great cleaning agent for your toilet, eliminate rust from your car bumpers, and remove grease from your clothing. Plus, think of the added benefit of the exercise gained from cleaning.

Your Turn: The soda issue is constantly being debated from people on both sides, asking just how bad it is. How do you feel about soda?