If you’re looking to get healthier and stay on a more positive track, you’re not alone. Recent studies show that almost 50% of Americans have made drastic changes to their lifestyle choices in the past two years. More and more people are consciously choosing the healthier alternatives over the convenient, tempting, and addictive consumer products like processed meats, fast food and most of all, sugary, carbonated drinks.

The Decline in Soda Consumption 

With the growing awareness and interest in fitness and living a healthy lifestyle, the steep fall in soda consumption numbers across the world is no surprise at all. In the United States itself, the carbonated beverages market has been experiencing a speedy decline since 2013.

Soda consumption reached its peak in the late 1990s with a shocking 54 million gallons of soda being drunk by Americans yearly. However, in the last decade, sugary pop has been experiencing a downfall and the annual consumption has reduced to 38 million gallons per year.

Adding to the positive news, there has also been an increase in the per capita water intake. Initiatives like the soda tax and growing awareness about sugary drinks’ role in the national obesity problem have truly made a difference. If anything, the fall in numbers, as well as the initiatives by the authorities, only bring to surface how deep-rooted the soda problem had become and how important it was to make people aware of the disadvantages. More and more people are making the switch to healthier alternatives and you should be too.

But What is the Problem with Soda? 

Apart from the bubbly fizz and the exorbitant amounts of sugar that give soda its addictive qualities, there is a wide range of health risks that you should be aware of:

Liquid Candy. A regular can of cola contains about 9 ½ teaspoons of added sugars while the 20-ounce bottle adds up to as many as 16 teaspoons of sugar. The daily sugar intake recommended by the Dietary Guideline is only 6-9 teaspoons. Taking a soda with your lunch? You can forget about dessert for the rest of the day.

Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Attacks. Regular consumption of sugary, carbonated drinks increases your chances of becoming obese by 27% and developing type 2 diabetes by 26%. A person who drinks soda daily is 20% more at risk of having a heart attack than one who doesn’t. Do we need to say more?

Tooth Decay. If you are trying to avoid the dentist, we would definitely recommend you ditch the soda right this minute. The sugar in soda combines with the bacteria in your mouth and attacks your teeth, breaking down the protective layer of enamel.

Weight Gain. Sugary drinks are more often than not linked with weight gain. The added sugars in soda are turned by the liver into fat and can drastically affect your weight.

No Nutrients and No Hydration Value. There are absolutely no nutrients in a bottle of soda that are even remotely useful to your body and delivers no hydration value whatsoever. It does not quench your thirst, and may, in fact, be making you even hungrier and thirstier.

Alternatives to Soda 

Here are some alternatives you can include in your daily diet instead of sodas:

Sparkling Water

The closest alternative for sodas is sparkling water. And the most exciting part is that now you can make carbonated water right in your home or office with SodaStream. The machine turns flat water into a bubbly surprise for your taste buds, which is healthier, has a higher hydration value and is a lot more refreshing than any soda.

Flavored Sparkling Water

Old habits die hard and you’re probably still be craving your favorite sweet soda drinks. With SodaStream, you can satisfy your cravings and indulge without feeling guilty afterward. With over 60 flavors ranging from fruity combinations to all of your favorite classic fountain soda drinks, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite drinks and cocktails.  All containing a fraction of sugars that are present in store-bought sodas.

Sparkling Water Infusions

What’s the healthiest way to add a little flavor to your sparkling water? Use fresh fruits, herbs, and even veggies to sweeten and add a few vitamins to your drink. The possibilities here are endless, and while there are a few classic combinations that everyone loves, you can definitely experiment and create as much as you like.

Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

A summer favorite, freshly squeezed lemonade when made with a dash of cane sugar and agave nectar can be a delicious alternative to soda. The citrusy and refreshing flavor may be all you need to wipe away memories of fizzy sodas from your taste buds.

Kombucha

A recent introduction to the American market all the way from Asia, Kombucha is a fermented health drink equally as energizing. Its flavor may not be something everyone will enjoy, but it contains little to no sugar and has probiotics that can help improve gut health.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is packed with potassium carbohydrates and is a good alternative if you are craving something more than just flat, tasteless water.

What Are You Waiting For? 

Now that you are convinced of the sweet vices of soda, it’s time to take action and clean up your diet. Make a conscious effort to switch up the cola in your diet for a healthier alternative, or even just water. And if you get sick of water, purchase a SodaStream – that turns flat water into sparkling - for your home or office, and enjoy the fresh, bubbly fix.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to our website and start exploring.