Soft drinks are very tempting. In fact, they are actually created to be addictive. We all love that iconic fizzy sound and sweet taste, but drinking soda too often can get pretty unhealthy, pretty fast.
Luckily, there are drinks out there that are similarly delicious but more healthy. That’s where our prebiotic soda at VINA comes in. Read on to hear all about your options.
Benefits of Quitting Traditional Soda
Treat your body right and quit traditional soda. Removing soda from your diet is a preventative measure for many health complications down the road.
Soda is full of sugar and empty calories. Drinking so much sugar is very bad for our health and can lead to weight gain, not to mention more serious complications down the road. Drinking soda every day can even lead to a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart attacks.
Sugar Is Hard To Quit
Quitting a diet high in sugar can be very difficult. This is because our bodies go into withdrawal when carbohydrates and sugar are taken away. Some withdrawal symptoms include loss of motivation, fatigue, and irritability.
Quitting a high sugar diet is also difficult because sugary beverages and drinks are easily accessible. When you walk into a store, all of your favorite cheap treats are on display. This takes a lot of willpower to turn down.
Danger of Too Much Caffeine
Caffeine is ok when used in moderation, but there are some risks associated with having too much. It increases alertness by increasing the release of adrenaline and blocking the effects of the brain chemical that makes us tired. However, people report feeling anxious or nervous when consuming high quantities of caffeine.
We often grab a caffeinated drink when we're feeling tired. Caffeine gives us that extra boost to make it through the day, but unfortunately, it can affect our ability to fall asleep.
It is easy to become addicted to caffeine when you consume it regularly. Consumers can become dependent on caffeine psychologically and physiologically. Many people report symptoms like fatigue or headache after quitting caffeine.
Healthier Substitutes to Soda
Quitting soda is not easy. Substituting soda for another healthier option is a useful trick to kick the soda habit.
Water With a Twist
Carbonated water can provide that fizziness you love from soda. Carbonated water can be somewhat boring, so try infusing it with your favorite fruit.
Fruit juice and sparkling water can be combined to mimic soda. The flavor will be more pronounced than fruit-infused water. Just remember to choose the juice with no added sugar.
Coconut water is also a great substitute as long as there is no added sugar. Coconut water has some health benefits because of its electrolytes, which play a role in rehydrating our bodies.
Milk
Milk has been enjoyed and utilized for thousands of years. The most common sources of milk are cows, goats, and sheep, as well as plant-based alternatives like oat milk and soy milk.
Milk is packed with nutrients. It is a great source of protein and vitamins that benefit bone health. Milk has vitamin D and K, phosphorus, and magnesium. All of these nutrients help the body absorb calcium.
Milk is highly versatile, too. It can be drunk, added to coffee, used in a smoothie, or used in oatmeal.
Smoothies
Smoothies can be made to your exact specifications. The options for smoothie ingredients are endless. The base of a smoothie is usually pureed fruit, vegetables, or protein powder mixed with some form of dairy or juice.
The health benefits of smoothies depend on what you add to them. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment a little. Nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices are great add-ins that provide a flavor kick and added nutrients. Nutritional and herbal supplements are popular additives. Pollen, matcha powder, and protein powders are some of the most popular.
Keep the smoothie healthy and avoid adding sugar. Fruits and vegetables have plenty of natural sugar to sweeten the beverage.
Soda Alternatives
Prebiotic soda is very different from traditional soda. It is filled with nutrients and beneficial ingredients. This drink promotes gut health by stimulating the growth of healthy bacteria in our stomachs.
At VINA, we have created a delicious prebiotic soda. Our drinks are made with brain-supporting minerals, added fiber, and apple cider vinegar.
We know that our drinks should be not only healthy but also flavorful. This is why we have carefully designed each of our flavors. We have Grapefruit, Ginger, Lemon-Lime, Cherry, and Pomegranate options.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Prebiotic soda often contains apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has recently gained popularity because of its numerous homeopathic uses.
Apple cider vinegar is used to kill harmful bacteria. Historically vinegar has been used to clean and disinfect. Over 2,000 years ago, wounds were being treated with vinegar by Hippocrates.
Apple cider vinegar assists in lowering blood sugar, weight loss, lowering cholesterol, and improving diabetes symptoms. Some studies also point to aiding skin health.
Don’t Be Afraid To Try
Quitting soda is not easy, but your body will thank you. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to try something new. It takes time to build a habit and a new diet, but in the end, it is worth it.
Congratulate yourself for doing the research. You are one step closer to living a healthier life while still drinking delicious beverages.
Sources:
9 Side Effects of Too Much Caffeine | Healthline
11 Refreshing Alternatives to Drink Instead of Soda | Everyday Health
These Are the Only Healthy Alternatives to Soft Drinks You Need | Well and Good
Are Smoothies Good for You? | Healthline
5 Proven Health Benefits of Milk | Healthline
6 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar | Healthline
Soda and diabetes risk: Links and research | Medical News Today
