soda

I predict that by early 2010, you’ll see something surprisingly new – small cans of Coke. How small you ask? The cans will run 7.5 ounces and come in at only 90 calories. These are “mini me” versions of the the real thing. Typically if you buy an individual bottle of soda you’re looking at 20 ounces, 2.5 servings, and a lot of excessive calories from sugar. But with these smaller cans, you get portion and calorie control. If you replace one 20 ounce soda (240 calories) with their 7.5 ounce mini-can (90 calories) you’re saving 150 calories.

Watch my video review of the small Coke cans and another new product, Sprite Green, sweetened naturally with Truvia, the sweetener made from the Stevia plant. Sprite Green has 70 calories in 12 ounces.

I am sure you have heard the argument before that quitting smoking can help you save money. It is one reason used to argue for a tax on cigarettes. Recently, there have even been discussions of a tax on soda and possibly other unhealthy foods. Often our wallets are more important in motivating us than our own health.

Recently, I was able to visit Africa and help deliver supplies to orphanages that did not have electricity, beds, or even windows. They were enthusiastic, but a suitcase of children’s clothes just did not seem like enough. One orphanage told us that they are trying to raise money and just $2500 would build an entirely new building to house 30+ orphans. How could I not think about how much money I spend on frivolous things when there are children sleeping on concrete and not getting enough to eat?

To protect against foreign bacteria that can cause traveler’s diarrhea, the doctor suggested that while I recently traveled in Africa, I drink mainly soda. (Beer was also approved, but it is not something I drink. Water was only OK if I personally broke the seal on the bottle, which cannot be guaranteed at restaurants with wait-staff.) I had given up soda, but figured this might be the only health reason to drink soda. I was a bit concerned that I might start craving it or have difficulty turning it down again once I returned to American soil.

It felt odd to order Fanta at the first restaurant. My reaction to soda was not a thrill of return or a desire for more. It felt sugary and heavy. After just a day, I was experiencing nausea, bloating, and low energy. I felt unhealthy. What I was craving was a shower and 64 ounces of water!

Sugar consumption is a major cause of premature health problems in the U.S. Americans ingest more than 22 teaspoons of added sugar (355 calories) every day, according to the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. That’s two to three times what is recommended.

The American Heart Association has publicized their recommendations for men and women. The AHA says that most American women should not consume more than 100 calories of added sugar a day. Men should limit their intake to no more than 150 calories. One 12-ounce can of sugar-sweetened soda is 130 calories. That’s more than the entire daily recommendation for women, and nearly all that is recommended for men.

Relations between the U.S. and Venezuela in recent years have been, shall we say, not so good. And President Hugo Chavez is not likely to put the breaks on his heavy anti-capitalist rhetoric anytime soon. Some of his latest moves have been on the dietary front.

Chavez and his government are taking on Coca Cola and their Coke Zero product. Health Minister Jesus Mantilla has said that Coke Zero can no longer be sold in his country, and the inventory that is stocked must be removed from store shelves.