Liquid Ass(sets)

One of the major ways I can cut down on calories is eliminating needless drinks. I am a drink guy. I love soda and Gatorade and Vitamin Water and juices. But just a couple of those each day is a recipe for calorie spikes. And in most cases it is a spike filled with sugary empty calories.

Some numbers:

12 oz. Can of Coke: 160 Calories, 42g Sugar.
32 oz. Lemonade Gatorade: 200 calories, 14g Sugar
32 oz. Vitamin Water XXX Flavor: 200 Calories, 13g Sugar

Coke and Gatorade both have the nasty High Fructose Corn Syrup in them. That alone is reason to avoid at all costs. The point is, the calories from drinking these can add up quickly. Especially over the course of a long summer and many grocery store sales on the mentioned items.

Obviously soda is the most harmful of the drinks I mentioned. I would go as far as to say that Soda alone is causing the American obesity epidemic. But I don’t want to make this post a rant, or an anti-soda crusade. I think we all know it is horrible for our health.

But that does not mean I don’t enjoy it. Sometimes a Coke, or a Dr. Pepper just hits the spot.

So what I am doing now, and actually have been for a while now is tricking myself into thinking I am having a soda. I simply substitute it with sparkling water. 0 calories, 0 sugar, and a hint of lemon or lime. Viola! I feel like I am getting my soda kick, without all the chemicals and sugar and calories. There are a lot of brands out there, and currently my favorite, becuase it is on sale, is Arrowhead.

I think that eliminating empty liquid calories will be a huge aid in my little quest that I have become obsessed with. And in the process I will kick that nasty soda habit. Of course, during a long ride or race, coke is free game! Although my Kona Kola flavored Nuun is mighty close in taste and texture. And instead of sugar I get electrolytes.

Today’s weight: 179.5