7 EXCELLENT REASONS TO STOP DRINKING SODA FOR GOOD …

With so many reasons to stop drinking soda, it’s a wonder we still consume so much of it, gallons of it. Whether you’re on a diet to lose weight, or you just want to eat healthier, it’s something to consider. So why should you give up soda, and what should you drink instead? Here are 7 excellent reasons to stop drinking soda for good, right now!

1. IT’S LOADED WITH CHEMICALS
If you don’t think you need to give up soda because you drink diet soda, think again. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners that some studies have found to be linked to cancer. And last month, many cola companies stopped using a particular coloring because they feared it, too, would be linked to cancer.

2. IT’S EMPTY CALORIES
This reason to stop drinking soda applies to regular sodas in particular. Check the label and you’ll see it’s loaded with calories, most of which are from sugar. Most of those sugar calories don’t even come from “real” sugar, either — they come from high fructose corn syrup, which our bodies don’t process quite the same way as other sugars. If you’re going to be using all of those calories (about 150 per serving), why not use them and get some valuable nutrition at the same time? I’d suggest giving up soda and choosing a natural, no-sugar-added mixed fruit juice instead. Sure, you’ll still get a little sugar, but you’ll also be getting the antioxidants and other nutrients with it.

3. IT CAN AFFECT YOUR BONES!
A 2001 study by the Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center suggests that there could be two reasons people who drink soda have weak bones. First, the chemicals in soda may cause your body to excrete the calcium it ought to be keeping, and second, that if you drink soda, you’re likely not drinking calcium-rich fluids, like milk. Either reason is enough to convince you to give up soda!

4. CAFFEINE…
For most of us, caffeine is a necessity, the magical chemical that gets us up and keeps us going. But for some, it can cause a multitude of problems, including insomnia, anxiety, tummy troubles, and irregular heartbeat and respiration… and even that annoying ringing in your ears. If you won’t give up soda, at least consider switching to a version without caffeine!

5. IT’S ADDICTIVE!
All the sugar, all the caffeine… soda has the potential to be quite addictive, and for some, like me, it’s awful. When I first decided to give up soda, I had withdrawal symptoms, like restlessness, cravings, and a nasty headache. I felt like a recovering drug addict, and according to my doctor, that’s pretty much what I was… only my drug was soda. It may sound overly dramatic, but it’s true.

6. CAVITIES, EWW!
Soda, being high in sugar and acid content, can also cause tooth decay. How? The natural bacteria in our mouths feed in the sugar in soda, then excrete acids which weaken the enamel on our teeth, which causes tooth decay. In fact, most dentists agree that drinking soda is the biggest cause of tooth decay, especially in children.

7. IT CAN HARM YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
My daughter’s pediatrician says that soda can also damage your immune system. She says that the sugar in soda weakens your system for up to five hours after you drink it, making you more susceptible to germs… her reasoning seems sound. According to Dr. Sears, another reputable pediatrician, this can happen even after just two sodas! Why not boost your immune system — stop drinking soda, and drink orange juice instead!

7 Fat Burning Foods That Will Trim down Your Thighs …

1. Nuts

Nuts like almonds are fantastic fat burning foods for thighs. It’s best if you eat them with the skins, though, and definitely don’t overdo it. Moderation in all things, but eating nuts as a snack is a great idea, not to mention a much healthier alternative to a lot of traditional snack foods. What will they do for you? in addition to reducing your snack cravings, they’ll also help you build up muscle, which is essential for burning fat.

2. Eggs

Forget almost everything you’ve ever heard about eggs. If you’re trimming your thighs, eggs are great! You can’t overindulge, but if you occasionally have eggs during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll be doing your body a fantastic service. Eggs will help your body improve your muscles and burn plenty of fat.

3. Peanut Butter

As long as you don’t go overboard, peanut butter is a great food to incorporate into your diet. It’s filling, it can replace a desire for sweets, and it has tons of protein. Because of that, it’s essential for building your muscle tone. It will help your body burn fat as well, and can actually increase your testosterone levels.

4. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a great fat burning food for your thighs. It benefits your body in so many ways, it’s easy to see why so many people eat it for breakfast, or drink grapefruit juice instead of OJ. Grapefruit can help you lower your insulin, improve and balance your metabolism, regulate your blood sugar levels, and much more!

5. Fish

Specifically, fatty fish are good fat burning foods for thighs. Focus on fresh tuna, salmon, and other good fat fish. These lean proteins will make you feel full for longer amounts of time, so you won’t feel like constantly snacking or grazing. They’ll also jumpstart your body’s ability to burn fat.

6. Whole Grains

You need to eat whole grains in moderation, of course, but they’re great for you when you do eat them. You don’t necessarily have to eat whole grain bread, but look for cereals with whole grains and choose brown rice over what. If you don’t eat too much of any whole grain food, then it will keep your body from storing a lot of fat.

7. Legumes

Last but certainly not least are the legumes! They’re essential to any diet, and they certainly help with trimming your thighs. They burn fat, they make your digestion run smoothly (and regularly), and they increase muscle. When you’re working out with the intent to tone your thighs, all of these attributes are enormously beneficial.

If you’re looking for fat burning foods for thighs and legs and hips, you don’t have to eat things you hate. On the contrary, these are delicious foods! Remember, you can’t lose weight without combining a healthy diet and a regular exercise program. Stay active and eat these fat burning foods for your thighs, and you’ll be in great shape! What do you do to lose weight in your thighs?