Why Does Soda have SUCH a bad Reputation?

Everyone loves some nice strong carbonation right? Isn’t that the point of drinking soda? When a soda goes flat, usually it’s going in the trash. So what’s wrong with having a dark or light soda? Why do these soft drinks have such a bad reputation? Let’s look at some facts about sodas.

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•   Soda generally has about 39 grams or more of sugar, sugary substitute, or a combination of both.
•   Soda is linked to obesity, addiction (caffeine), increased risk for strokes, heart attacks, and              diabetes.
•  Studies have shown that diet soda actually increases weight GAIN and not weight loss
•  In studies the caramel artificial coloring in dark sodas have shown to be cancer causing agents.
•  Soda may accelerate the aging process (cause one to look older than they are) because it actually dehydrates the person drinking the soda thus drying out their skin.
• The artificial sweeteners used in diet sodas do not break down in our bodies.
•  Hazardous material signs are required on the trucks that carry the ingredients that are mixed together to make soda.
• Soda can clean corrosion from car battery terminals, can be used to loosen a rusted bolt, and can increase the risk of having kidney stones.

So does it sound like Nakeesha’s Nutrition is an advocate of not drinking soda? ABSOLUTELY but here we also believe in providing solutions or alternatives that still fulfil that carbonation desire. Keep in mind these alternatives are not going to taste exactly like your favorite soda BUT they do provide a much healthier option and still have that great strong bubbly taste.

•       Izze drinks- 100% juice w/ sparkling water
•      100% fruit juice with added sparkling water- may prepare it yourself
•        Reed’s Ginger or other flavored “soda”- drink sparingly they still have sugar but are also sweetened with honey and fruit juice

There are many more but these should help get you started if you are ready to make the “no more soda” commitment. If you’re not, that’s okay too. Just please keep these facts in mind and at least try to cut back as a start and then go from there. Every little step you take towards better health will soon create a huge leap. There are many stories of people who simply eliminate or cut back on sodas drastically and lose weight almost immediately.

Challenge- instead of picking up a soda today drink more water and try one of the above alternatives. YOU can do this!!!

If you enjoyed this article go to www.nakeeshasnutrition.com and sign up for the mailing list for more high content, fresh new high value information to help you grow in health!

Continue to Put YOU First and let’s hydrate our bodies with greatness! Remember it’s not a diet….it’s a lifestyle!

Yours in Health,

Nakeesha of Nakeesha’s Nutrition

Chicken Chicken Chicken and MORE CHICKEN!!!

Why is it such a big deal?

So what’s the big deal with eating chicken? All this fuss about steroids, antibiotics and the “supposed” affects it has on people specifically women: fibroids, earlier start of menstruation cycle, people becoming immune to medication, and many more things. Let’s look a little deeper to discuss what is safe for you.

Why the need for antibiotics and steroids?

As we all know, the world is growing. With growth comes more of a demand for supply. The normal growth cycle for animals, and plants, takes too long when it comes to supplying the consumer. If you notice pretty much everywhere there is a chicken shop and a burger joint on every corner. Not to mention McDonalds, 

Chick Fil-A, Wendy’s and the like. So where do they get all of their meats from so quickly? You guessed it- injecting animals so they quickly grow. These growth hormones are placed in their foods or injected in their bodies.

Now in theory it makes absolute sense- more people means the need for more food so why not come up with a quick solution that satisfies everyone? Well it gets much deeper than that.  These antibiotics and steroids- while they help supply more chicken and other foods- are not safe when eaten in abundance as well as while it “seems” this is done for the consumer- it’s really all about the money. Supplying meats quicker means more money and so by any means necessary this must be done. This article will not go into the politics of this process but just understand when it is said these chemicals are safe, it’s not being said for your well-being, it’s being said so you will continue to buy it!

Check out this short video on chickens http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enwU5jIXSlU

There are cases of people now becoming immune to antibiotics because it is already in their systems from the chicken, and other meats.  Doctors are now beginning to advise women who have cyst or are prone to fibroids to cut back on chicken or at least begin consuming meats and produce without the use of antibiotics and steroids. Studies are even being done to see if these growth hormones need to be removed altogether because as mentioned  people are beginning to become immune to prescribed antibiotics since it is already in their system. Studies are also showing that growth chemicals used in dairy rBST while deemed safe, when interacting with other chemicals in the body then promote the growth of cancer.

So What Now?

This is why it’s so important to understand what to purchase. As discussed in a few articles, yes healthier food options may cost more but your health is priceless! So here are the best options to remove these growth hormones as much as possible:

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1.      Buy organic or locally grown meats and other products- both do not have antibiotics and hormones
2.         Look for dairy products that say- organic or not treated rBST hormones
3.     Eat less fast foods- unless organic ALL of the meats, produce, and dairy are treated with antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides
4.         Eat out less altogether- as mentioned unless the restaurant is organic or supplies locally grown foods, it is probably stocked full of yuckiness (sorry to be so blunt but it’s the truth). So it’s best to eat more home cooked foods

So hopefully this article at least has you thinking of some immediate changes that you can make for you and your family if you have one. It’s time to start thinking proactively instead of reactively. We do not have to wait for a doctor’s report to make some changes let’s make those changes NOW!!

Nakeesha’s Nutrition would be honored to help you further in your health journey. www.nakeeshasnutrition.com 

Thank you for your attention. You are really investing the time it takes to Put YOU First! Remember  it’s not a diet…..it’s a lifestyle

In Health,

Nakeesha of Nakeesha’s Nutrition

Certified Nutritionist

Health and Wellness Expert