I thought it would be fun to start a new series called Simple Swaps, where I show y’all some of my favorite, healthy swaps for some of the most popular foods, drinks, and other products. Believe it or not, there are some seriously delicious and healthy alternatives to many not-so-healthy foods!
Today, I wanted to talk about one of the most popular – sodas!
The Problem with Sodas
Did you know that soda consumption is one of the leading causes of obesity in this country? Just one soda a day can contribute to a 40 lb. weight gain over the course of a year! By changing this one habit and swapping out your favorite soda for a healthier alternative, you can save yourself a ton of calories (and health problems)!
Most diet sodas aren’t much better, because they contain artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to cancers and neurological disorders. Not worth it!
Check out some of the stats of the ever-popular Coke and Diet Coke (click the links on the highlighted ingredient to read more on what makes that ingredient unhealthy):
Coke & Diet Coke Nutritional Info
Regular Coke (12 oz):
-Total Calories: 140
-Total Carbohydrates – 39g
-Total Sugars (from added sugars) – 39g (That’s almost 10 teaspoons of sugar!!)
Ingredients: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine
Diet Coke (12 oz):
-Total Calories – 0
-Total Carbohydrates – 0g
-Total Sugars – 0g
Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Aspartame, Phosphoric Acid, Potassium Benzoate (To Protect Taste), Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Caffeine
A Healthier Swap
Whether it’s way too much sugar or artificial sweeteners (which are toxic to the brain and body and studies show actually contribute to weight gain), neither of these is a good option.
So, what can you drink when you have a hankering for that sweet, fizzy, cola taste?
My favorite option is Zevia!
Zevia Nutritional Info
Zevia (12 oz):
-Total Calories – 0
-Total Carbohydrates – 0g
-Total Sugars – 0g
Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Stevia Leaf Extract, Tartaric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine, Citric Acid
The ingredients are much cleaner, and you can find a variety of your favorite flavors (including Dr. Zevia, Mountain Zevia, Grape, and Caffeine-free varieties). They are free of artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, caramel colors, and unhealthy preservatives.
You can find Zevia at most grocery store and big box stores, including Target, Publix, Sprouts, Wholefoods, and Amazon.
While purified water will always be the healthiest drink you can consume, Zevias make a great, healthier swap when you’re craving a soda!
