The types of drinks you consume can have a drastic effect on your sugar intake. Did you know there are about 39 grams of sugar (or 10 teaspoons) in one 12-ounce soda? Your daily added sugar intake should not exceed 6 teaspoons (24 grams) for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men, according to the American Heart Association. This means one 12-ounce soda can easily surpass your daily added sugar allowance.
Recommended drinks during the Sugar Shutdown:
- Water, with lemon or lime juice for flavor
- Unsweetened teas
- Hot tea
- Coffee (pass on the sugar packets!)
- Low-fat milk
- Unsweetened coconut water
- Unsweetened nondairy milks such as almond, coconut, cashew, rice and soy
Drinks to avoid during the Sugar Shutdown:
- Soda and diet soda
- Fruit punch
- Fruit juice
- Energy drinks
- Sweet tea
- Cocktails
- Frozen/blended drinks
- Flavored waters (be sure to check the label)
- “Naturally” or artificially sweetened drinks
- Flavored coffee drinks
- Lemonade
- Milkshakes
- Alcohol
- Sports drinks
Novant Health is here to help with lifestyle and nutrition services, sports medicine, and primary care physicians and clinics backed by caring support teams ready to help you live your best life.
