Tip of the Day: How to Reduce Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks are sugar-sweetened beverages; they include all non-alcoholic, water-based drinks with added sugar, non-diet drinks, energy drinks, fruit drinks, cordials, sports drinks. Oftentimes, we gulp these drinks down with our meals, drink them in place of water and generally consume them like they are going out of fashion. Now, most of us are aware that these sugary drinks have been linked to obesity, diabetes, tooth decay and even heart diseases. But we still consume them because its sweetness, especially when it’s chilled, lures us like a moth to a flame. Today’s article is a wake-up call; we need to address this sugary drink addiction before it becomes the death of us. The following tips will help us:

Befriend Water:  As some peddlers of herbal medicine would say, water no get enemy. But sugary drinks are the enemies of our health. Yet, we constantly choose the enemy of our health over the friend and this makes us our own enemies.  We must therefore resolve to befriend water by drinking it often. Instead of drinking a soft drink every time the mood strikes, drink water. Regardless of its lack of sugar and taste, water is incredibly refreshing. Therefore, if you want to reduce your sugary drink consumption, always keep a bottle of water beside you. This will make it your first choice for hydration.

Cut Back Slowly: Habits are developed over time. In the same vein, breaking bad habits and learning new ones also take time and effort. So,  start small and be patient with yourself. When it comes to change, being consistent matters. This is why the slow but steady wins the race.

Use Only Low-Calorie Beverages at Home: In a household where both low and high-calorie beverages are consumed sometimes in equal proportion, this kind of change will take some adjustment. So, do not be surprised by the complaints, tears and even attempts to smuggle contraband into your home. Be on your guard, be firm and be patient. With time, you’ll come to appreciate the expression, when the desired is not available, the available becomes desirable.

Go the Smoothie Way:  Cravings will not stop because you decided to reduce your consumption of sugary drinks. They are temptations that you must overcome by making healthy choices.  Thus, if you need an energy boost or you want something sweet to drink, don’t do soft drink. Go the homemade smoothie way. Make and enjoy smoothies with fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat yoghurt, milk or water. They will give you the sweetness you crave.

Join Forces with Someone: If you talk to a friend or family member, you’ll discover that you are not the only one trying and failing at reducing your consumption of sugary drinks. Join forces with people of like minds. Hold one other accountable. Celebrate even the smallest victories together. In time, you’ll all accomplish your goals for unity is an irresistible force.

In conclusion, our health and wellbeing is our responsibility. We should therefore reduce our consumption of sugary drinks if we value our health.

Sources

Health line

Heas Health

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udevi-obiamaka-angela

Udevi, Obiamaka Angela holds a Master of Arts degree in History & International Studies. She's a freelance writer with a passion for food and healthy living. She can be contacted through her email address, obiudevi@yahoo.com

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