Studies link an increase in Americans’ intake of sweetened drinks – especially soda pop and sports drinks – with an unhealthy increase in our body weight. These drinks are also linked to:

* Weak bones

* Tooth decay

* Increased desire for sugar (and in some cases, caffeine)

America’s other drinking problem…

Some experts call soda pop "liquid candy"-and call our intake habits "America’s other drinking problem."

* Every day for a typical 2-year-old, carbonated soda provides more added sugar than cookies, candies and ice cream combined.

* 56% of 8-year-olds drink soda every day.

* A third of teenage boys drink at least 3 cans every day.

* 60% of all public and private middle schools and high schools sell soda pop to students.

Ideas for change!

* Go with H2O. Carry water with you – and drink it all day long. Be sure to use a refillable bottle and go "green."

* Rethink mealtime drinks. Drink water at meals. Don’t give it any more thought, simple offer water at mealtimes.

* Make it special. If you drink it, save soda, lemonade, Kool-Aid, and bottled juices for special occasions – no more than once a week.

* Even better, drink fresh juice. If you drink bottled juices only drink 100% fruit and vegetable juice – but limit yourself to one small (4 to 6 ounces) glass or juice box a day. Bottled juices have been pasteurized for preservation and most of the nutrients are gone. Fresh juice that you make at home or buy at a juice bar is sweet, delicious, and loaded with living enzymes and nutrients!

* Keep plenty of fresh fruit on hand. If you keep delicious fresh fruit out and available you will snack on that and curb your sweet tooth. Eating a whole piece of fruit also gives your body fiber which has a variety of health benefits. You’ll get more nutrients, and feel more satisfied.

* Exercise caution. Go easy on the sports drinks – water is best for exercise. If you really feel like you want to balance those electrolytes, do it naturally. Hit your local health food store and buy a thai baby coconut. They will probably cut the top off for you and provide a straw. Voila! A natural choice that provides nutrients and health to the body!

Don’t get overwhelmed. If you set a good example and teach your children how to make healthy choices they will not fall into "America’s other drinking problem." There are many resources for family’s to help give healthy choices or at least better choices. I recommend the book "Naturally Sweet Recipes; Recipes Your Entire Family Will Love!" The recipes are simple and the sugar comes from natural sources. When you curb you cravings and your children’s cravings for sweets with fruits and other natural sweeteners, they won’t be tempted to fall into a "drinking problem." Teach them well and they will make good choices.