Light Green Stairs

Here’s a new fact to knock that Coke right out of your hand:

“More than 100,000 cases of diabetes over the last decade were likely caused by the rise in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sports drinks, and fruit drinks since 2000,” says the American Heart Association.

Another recent study highlight from the American Heart Association: The rise in diabetes from those sugary drinks has led to more heart disease and higher healthcare costs.

What you drink really does matter.

Challenge yourself to consider how you can improve your beverage choices for your health. If you drink sweet tea, give unsweet tea a try. It can be done. Like a true gal from the South, I grew up drinking sweet tea, but was able to switch at age 23. That was several years ago, and now sweet tea tastes truly gross to me!

What else? Be mindful of the fruit juice or sports drink you’re choosing. Don’t swallow extra calories when you can pick something healthier.

(image: sxc)