Get your girls to go soda-free this summer!

Summer used to be all about the lounging by the pool and the wearing those cute sandals, but now, you can add one more summer love to the list: staying soda-free.  Last year, we challenged readers to stay soda-free ALL SUMMER LONG, so let’s see who’s up for the challenge again this year.

It’s quite difficult to go through this kind of challenge during the hot summer days, especially if you head over to a BBQ and ice-cold soda is all there is to drink.  But with the right planning and persistence, this can be a challenge that you’ll not only want to continue each summer, but hopefully all year long!

We’ve got you covered with tips and suggestions on what else you can consume when you want to quench your thirst.

• Water is what you need.  You’ll need at least 8 glasses a day, so don’t waste any time drinking soda.  Carry around a reusable water container (like this one from Lifefactory), and you’ll always have water  within your reach.  Or, you can try water packaged in a Tetra Pak, like from O.N.E., and you won’t feel guilty about buying so much plastic.
• Drink 100% juice. None of this juice cocktail business, but real juice.  This will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you some good vitamins.  If you’re missing the bubbly feeling of soda, add some sparkling mineral water and all you’ll be missing is the aluminum can!
• Make your drinks fancy.  You can add fruity ice to your water, or chug on some sweet aguas frescas to keep you feeling refreshed.

More tips will be coming up all summer, so keep posted on healthy alternatives to soda.

Now, for the important part…who’s taking the soda-free summer challenge?  If you’re down for it, leave a comment to let the world know.  If you’re already living soda-free, share some tips with us, because we all could use the support.

Have a soda-free summer!

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!