Have a Coke and a smile?

     As we begin The Yancey Plan it is necessary to talk about sodas (coke in the south).  According to Dr. Mercola American's drink 49.78 Billion Liters of soft drinks per year.  This industry makes $50 Billion per year at the expense of OUR HEALTH!!  21% of all the sugar in the average American diet comes from soft drinks.  Drinking one soft drink per day increases the risk of Pancreatic cancer by 87%.  Drinking one coke per day increases the risk of metabolic syndrome by 44%.  One coke per day increases a child's risk of becoming obese by 60%.  Drinking two soft drinks per day increases the risk of gout by 85%.  WOW!!!!
     Many would assume that Coke is not good for us due to the high amounts of sugar.  Each coke contains ten teaspoons of sugar, but not just any sugar, high fructose corn syrup.  High fructose corn syrup has become the number one source of calories in the United States and is the primary cause of the obesity epidemic.
     I realize that many of you will say "no problem" I drink diet.  Diet drinks are only a different type of problem.  They contain artificial sweeteners and are also linked with obesity.  I believe it is best to eliminate soda of any kind on a regular basis.
     According to Dr. Parang Mehta soft drinks cause obesity, dental cavities, dental enamal erosion due to acidic nature, and causes a reduction of nourishing foods like milk.  This is especially a big concern for our children.  Too many soft drinks can cause children to struggle with obesity, tooth decay, headaches, poor sleep, osteoporosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer.  Having an occasional soft drink is not a problem.  However, it MUST REMAIN OCCASSIONAL!
     The Weston A. Price Foundation calls ingredients in soft drinks a "witch's brew".  High Fructose Corn Syrup, Aspartame (used in diet soda's), Caffeine (stimulates the adrenal gland and in large quantities can lead to adrenal exhaustion - especially in children), phosphoric acid (associated with bone loss), citric acid (contains traces of MSG), and artificial flavors.
     "Sports Drinks" are the new industry targeting our youth.  Many of these products contain large amounts of sugar (gatorade has more than coke) and are not healthy.  If sweating has been extreme, electrolytes can be replaced by simply drinking mineral water and by eating a healthy diet containing celtic sea salt.
     Now - here is the fun part.  Many people will experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to eliminate soft drinks from their diet.  What is the best way to stop?  Whatever works for YOU!!!!  I believe baby steps are very effective.  If you are a heavy soft drink consumer (3 or more a day) start cutting back by one soft drink per week until you are soda free!!!!  This is a lifestyle change - not a race!
     Here is wishing all of you success on a soda free lifestyle (including the kids).  Remember - baby steps!  Don't forget the 90/10 rule!  A special treat every now and then is OK!

Blessings -

Emmie