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Soda Smarts

The average American drinks 44.7 gallons of soda each year, totaling 169.2 liters or 476.8 cans, equaling 66,752 calories. Whether you drink soda because it’s sweet or you like the fizz, kicking the king of carbonation can be difficult. Below are some soda substitutes that are satisfying, nutritious, and low-calorie options.

Flavored water

Flavored water is everywhere; however, it still contains a ton of added sugar, so flavor your own water instead! Try adding cut fruits and herbs to flavor your water in an all-natural way with combinations, such as cucumber-ginger, strawberry-lemon, or orange-mint. Experiment and give your taste buds a treat. When you find your favorite flavor, stick with it or keep a wide variety of flavors “on tap” to enjoy!

Milk mustache

Low fat and no-fat milk still have calories, but these options are rich in vitamins and minerals. Calcium found in milk helps build strong bones and teeth. Plus, milk is great source of protein and vitamin D.

Tasteful tea

Whether you prefer green, black, or herbal tea, all have been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants, which are believed to protect the body from damage. If you don’t like tea plain, add a dash of honey. Just remember to do so sparingly, because calories can add up fast. Each teaspoon of honey contains 21 calories!

Home fruit juice

Not all fruit juices are created equal, and many have added sugar. But when mixed with seltzer, you can dilute the sugar content and enjoy a bubbly, sweet beverage. Try this recipe: Start with a tart juice, such as cranberry. Add four ounces of seltzer to four ounces of juice and garnish with a lime. Enjoy your tasty treat!

Did you know?

Soda sizes are growing! The size of a bottle in 1990 seems small compared to the super-sized sodas you see today. A 12-ounce can vs. a large fountain drink (4-5 regular cans) is an increase of 420 calories!

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