Take our M.I.S.S. Healthy Bites Challenge and have a Soda-Free Summer!

Greetings M.I.S.S. Readers,

This week, I pose a challenge to you, a challenge that requires dedication, determination, and endurance. Upon accepting this challenge, you’ll be bombarded with constant messages, trying to trick you into failure. If you shall complete this challenge, you’ll have the ability to overcome more obstacles as they come your way.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to have a soda free summer.

No soda!?!? In the summer!?!? Yes, this is the toughest time to abstain from it, but remember, this is a challenge. And if you can make it through all summer without a sip, you can probably go all year! Already living soda free? Then take it to the next level and encourage your loved ones to do the same. After all, soda is no longer just a beverage used to quench thirst; it’s a lifestyle.

Soda has flooded the mainstream, making it difficult to go anywhere without having an option to get a drink. So much money is pumped into advertising for soda, watching the latest movie or enjoying your favorite sports outing almost always has the famous logos. When it comes to soda ads, the perfect marketing formula has been to use pop culture to sell pop. From Michael Jackson’s Pepsi commercial, which almost left him burned and bald, to Sprite commercials laced with lyrics from some of hip hop’s most recognized, the combination of music, pop culture, and sugary soda seemed to all come together like Voltron (yes, Voltron was also used for marketing purposes!). One of the latest celebs to campaign for soda is Dr. Dre for….Dr. Pepper. Apparently, since his name dons the doctor title, you can trust him to prescribe a soda. While you might listen to his music, don’t listen to his advice, because slowing down to sip a soda could also slow you down.

Check out these facts from the Soda Free Summer website:
• Drinking just one 20-once bottle of soda each day for a year can result in gaining 25 extra pounds.
• Soda is the #1 source of sugar in the American diet.
• Over 30 percent of all calories from added sugars consumed daily are from sweetened beverages.
• Americans spend $56 billion annually on purchasing sugary soft drinks.
• U.S. teens consume twice as much soda as milk.

Don’t cheat and chug on the diet kinds, because those count too! If you’re trying to substitute, go for healthier alternatives, like juice (not drink!) or good old-fashioned ice-cold water. For those that drink heavier beverages, alcoholic drinks that contain soda can be switched for drinks that contain juice. Get your healthy on while at the bar!

If you’re down for the pledge, let us know and leave a comment. Have a soda free summer and good luck!

P.S.  Stay tuned for more ideas on how keep hydrated this summer…and tickle your taste buds!