News

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Spring health tips from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department

As the weather heats up, we notice our thirst. When you reach for that soda, remember it is liquid candy. Sugars are added to our foods and drinks in stunning amounts. Did you know that the average person in the United States eats about 100 pounds of sugar every year? That’s over one-fourth a pound a day. The sugar calories can add up fast to make us gain weight.

What is the biggest part of those added sugar calories? It is sweetened drinks. Read the label to see the amount of sugar in your choice. Check the Ingredients list for the various names of sugar. The first ingredient is the highest amount and the second is the second highest and so on.

“If all the different ‘forms’ of sugar on an ingredient list were combined…sugar would be the first ingredient!” Santa Barbara High School student health advocate.

“I usually drink coke everyday at lunch…but not anymore!!” Santa Barbara High School P.E. student after reading sugar content on labels.

So, what quenches our thirst, tastes great and yet doesn’t add many calories to our weighty situation? First and best of all: water. Zero calories. To add a bit of color and taste, drop in slices of cucumber, orange, lemon, or watermelon. Also, don’t forget milk. It has high protein and calcium for strong bones and is low in calories if you drink low-fat or one-percent milk.

Fruit and veggie juices are nutritious but naturally sweet. Up to a half cup a day is fine if you look on the label to choose 100 percent juice or veggies. Avoid juice “drink” or “punch” which are mainly sugar and water.

Caffeine? Sodas with caffeine can raise our blood pressure, constrict blood vessels, cause headaches, rapid heart beat and the jitters. It’s addictive.

Alcohol? Some sodas, such as Rock Star, have an alcoholic sister product that looks almost exactly the same. The alcohol taste is hidden behind sweet sugar and we even can be easily misled into drinking the alcoholic product without knowing it.

So, to drink for your health this spring and summer rethink your drink!