If you are still drinking soda, maybe this will encourage you to quit for good!
- Ashley Carpenter, R.D., FirstHealth Fitness
There is absolutely no reason to drink soda – it has no redeeming qualities.
What could be good about drinking a bottle of chemicals and sugar (20 tsp. worth in a 20 oz. bottle of Mountain Dew)? The connection between the out of control sugar habit and chronic disease in America is well documented. This is not a surprise and we can't continue to be in denial.
Don't get fooled with energy drinks or flavored waters either, they are still full of sugar. Try seltzer water or club soda with a splash of juice or squeeze of citrus for a bubbly (and tasty!) drink.
And if you think diet drinks are a safe alternative, think again! Sure, you may save some calories by drinking beverages with artificial sugars, but you won't reduce your risk of obesity and chronic disease. New studies indicate that artificial sweeteners may stimulate your appetite, increase carbohydrate cravings and promote fat storage and weight gain.
Give it up and in a few months you won't even miss it. In fact, you'll probably wonder how you ever drank it in the first place!
Ashley Carpenter, a registered dietitian (R.D.), currently works with FirstHealth Fitness, assisting members, hospital staff and community members of all ages adopt healthier eating patterns. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from East Carolina University and has been with FirstHealth since 2007.
Prior to joining FirstHealth, she worked as a dietitian in a variety of FirstHealth outpatient specialty programs, including the Bariatric Program, the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab programs, and the Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center. She also served as an inpatient dietitian at Moore Regional Hospital, where she worked with a variety of patients with complicated diagnoses.
Ashley is passionate about nutrition education and the prevention of chronic disease through a healthy diet and active lifestyle. When you meet with Ashley, you won’t get a “one-size-fits-all” plan that may not work for your lifestyle. She will develop an individualized plan to help you attain your fitness and nutrition goals.
She believes in keeping things simple and realistic to help people lead healthy lives.
For appointments and more information, call (910) 715-1835.
Need a speaker? We would be happy to come and speak to your organization. For more information contact Ashley at (910) 715-2674.
