FitSugar

Coke Launches New 90-Calorie Mini Can

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:00:35 -0700

Coca-Cola is giving consumers even more ways to manage their calories with the introduction of its new 7.5 oz. mini can. The 90-calorie can will be released in select East Coast cities this December, with a nationwide rollout set for 2010.

“As the world’s largest beverage company, we take seriously the need to help consumers balance calories consumed with calories expended,” said Sandy Douglas, president, Coca-Cola North America. “The Coca-Cola mini can innovation reinforces the Company’s support for healthy, active lifestyles.”

This announcement is coming on the heels of the company's move to put calorie information of the front of all its packaging. They've also partnered with Healthy Weight Commitment, a group of retailers and food manufacturers committed to reducing obesity in America.

By all accounts it sounds like the soda giant is becoming quite concerned over the nation's growing waistline and its contribution to it. But some argue the company is trying to skirt the impending soda tax. Don't be fooled by the small packaging, the recipe remains unchanged and is still filled with HFCS, but may be a good option for consumers who keep tabs on calories.

Coca-Cola will also be offering the mini cans in Sprite, Fanta Orange, Cherry Coca-Cola and Barq's Root Beer.

Would a Tax on Soda Make You Drink Less?

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:30:32 -0700

America's soda obsession is believed to contribute to our issue of obesity. New York City is fighting back with its Don't Drink Yourself Fat ad campaign, but public health leaders want to do more.

For a while now, there's been talk about issuing a soda tax to reduce the consumption of calorie-loaded beverages including sodas, sugary fruit drinks, and energy drinks, to help lower the rate of obesity. The extra money made would help contribute to paying off healthcare costs.

The soda tax debate has been going on for a while. Those in support think anything that discourages people from buying soda will help Americans cut down. Those against it think that a simple soda tax won't stop people from drinking soda since you can't change people's taste buds. They feel that educating people about healthier choices would be more effective, since a soda tax may just push people to opt for other unhealthy choices. Another good point is that soda isn't the only food that contributes to obesity. What about fast food, candy bars, and desserts? Will those be taxed as well?

This soda tax is far from approval, but could very well happen - in a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, 53 percent of people were in favor of the soda tax. So tell me . . .

New York Warns: Don't Drink Yourself Fat

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:06 -0700

New York City is taking a bold stand against empty calories with its Don't Drink Yourself Fat ad campaign. Recognizing that liquid calories can be a diet saboteur, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is advising residents to avoid soda and other sugary beverages.

The campaign implicitly acknowledges that diet soda isn't necessarily healthier - just lower in calories - by recommending water, seltzer, or lowfat milk. The ads are pretty unappetizing, but I appreciate the message. Click on the gallery below and tell me what you think.

View 3 Photos ›

Is Diet Healthier Than Regular Soda?

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:00:40 -0700

With so many people watching their calorie intake, they're always looking for ways to cut back without having to sacrifice much. That's why diet soda has become so popular. A regular 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 143 calories, but a can of Diet Coke or Coca-Cola Zero contains only one.

Calorie-wise, yes, the diet version seems healthier, but if you take a look at the ingredients, there's a big difference. Diet Coke and Coke Zero contain aspartame, also called NutraSweet or Equal, while Coke is made with sugar. Aspartame is 180 to 200 times sweeter than regular sugar, and is the artificial sweetener of choice when it comes to most diet sodas. While the FDA approved its use in foods and beverages, some side effects include headaches, dizziness, mood changes, or skin reactions after consuming it. Aside from that negative, even though it's low in calories, diet soda may also lead to weight gain. To find out how keep reading

Your Top Five Tips for Kicking the Soda Habit

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Recently a user asked for advice on kicking the soda habit and you came through with some fabulous tips and advice, especially since many of us have had to kick our own Coke guzzling practices to the curb. Your top tips are:

Switch to seltzer water or sparkling water. You'll get the fizz, but not the sugar. If you miss the flavor try the flavored varieties. If possible find those flavored without high fructose corn syrup.
Find a healthier drink to be addicted to. Suggestions include iced tea, milk, and Kombucha tea.
Drink water. Lots and lots of water. If you can't stomach the plain water, try flavored. Think about adding your own flavors like a splash of 100 percent fruit juice or Crystal Light.
Cut down. Don't deny yourself your pleasure, that could only make you want it more. Slowly eliminate it from your diet.
If all else fails, go cold turkey. Sounds hard, but many of you guys think that stopping drinking soda completely is the only way to ultimately quit.

To see all the great advice, check out the comments here.

Source

What's Your Advice For Kicking the Soda Habit?

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

I recently got a question from one reader that I thought you guys would have some great suggestions for. Here's her question:

"My doc told me I have to cut calories out of my diet to lose weight. He said the best way would be to stop drinking soda, but I love soda. I have at least three cans a day. Has anyone had to kick the habit? What are some soda alternatives you turned to?"
-Soda Sarah

I just went cold turkey when I stopped drinking soda (yes, I used to drink my fair share), so that's always an option, but I know it's easier said than done. What low-calorie, healthy drinks do you guys drink in place of soda? Help a fellow user out and share your advice below.

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Are You Drinking Soda?

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:30:00 -0700

With soda sales down this year, reports say that folks are turning towards water and enhanced waters and teas before soda - yipee! Me, I am not and never will be a soda kind of girl. However, there are folks out there that still are drinking it despite the health risks, so what about you?

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Fee on Soft Drinks: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

One of the healthiest cities for women, San Francisco, is looking to take healthy to a whole new level.

Gavin Newsom, the mayor of San Francisco, has proposed charging big stores a fee when they sell any soft drinks with high-fructose corn syrup. The fee is still to be determined however, if the bill were approved, money generated from the fee would go toward a city program that emphasizes exercise, diet and other preventative health measures. So what do you think . . .

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Is White Sugar Really THAT Bad For Me?

FitSugar — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:45:00 -0700

I think you know the answer to the question if white sugar is bad for you. White sugar comes from sugar cane, which is a plant, so why is it so bad for us? Can you say highly processed? Yeah, the gorgeous white crystals most people pour into their coffee every morning has zero nutritional value because it's all stripped away. White sugar is a refined sweetener, adding nothing but calories and taste to foods.

When you eat foods with refined sugar like sodas, candy bars, or high carb meals, it upsets the body's blood sugar balance. This triggers the release of insulin, which the body uses to maintain blood sugar levels at a constant and safe level. After insulin levels spike up, they quickly crash soon after, leaving you feeling sleepy, and possibly even hungry again. This often leads to more snacking and usually on sweet or refined carb treats. This cycle leads to overeating, since you are not really hungry, and weight gain. This is the reason carbs are often viewed as “bad” nowadays, and why the Atkins Diet is so popular.

Refined carbs such as white bread, white pasta, white rice, baked goods such as cookies have the same effect on your body, so that's why you should look for alternative foods made from whole grains. When you feel like snacking, stick to straight up fruits, nuts and ones that contain whole grains. These are slow burning carbs that contain vitamins and fiber too, so they'll give you a consistent flow of energy without the sugar meltdown.

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A Week In Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 04:00:00 -0700

It is official: Star Jones had gastric bypass surgery.

If you are hiking this weekend you may want to read up on how tea tree oil defeats poison ivy rashes. It is a battle, don't ya know!

Boat pose will work your core!!!! Now that it is the weekend you have time to try it!

Looking for non-surgical ways to rejuvenate your face? Read about the acupuncture face lift.

I have some ideas on ways to burn more calories.

In case you are still drinking soda, I have some stats on how acidic the beverage really is.

Test your vegetable knowledge with the Raw and the Cooked quiz.

Looking for a new breakfast dish? Try this Baked Eggs in Tomato. Tasty and good for you.

If you are heading to the gym, this triathlon workout could be just the ticket to add spice to your old routine.

Tell me - do you talk on your cell phone when working out?

Test your knowledge on how marijuana and office equipment items compare with cigarettes.

Hot momma, Heidi Klum needs her muffins!!!

Looking for girly gear? Ame & Lulu have got you covered with some great toile bags and accessories.