NYC’s mayor is cracking down on the sale of sugary drinks in
order to help stop the spread of obesity. His idea is to ban the sale of
sweetened beverages that are larger than 16 ounces anywhere but in grocery
stores. Right now, the city is simply waiting for this new law to be approved
by the Health Department, and it could be enacted by next March.
The question is: Why are drinks being targeted as a way to
kick extra cals? Well, soda and other sweet drinks are a serious source of
empty calories. There’s nothin’ nutritious about fizzy, sugary water that packs
as many calories as a cookie, especially when it doesn’t make ya feel full. You
may not realize it, but if you’re drinking a flavored iced coffee, for
instance, you could be takin’ in hundreds of calories.
This ban will affect everything from flavored iced coffees
to lemonade to sodas. There are a few exemptions, though. Milk-based beverages,
fruit juices and alcoholic drinks will be excluded from the ban. Businesses are
already thinking of ways to get around it, too, with deals like free refills or
two-for-ones.
What’s your take,
chickies? Do you think this will help people stay healthy?
BY CARRIE RUPPERT ON 6/13/2012 12:18:00 PM
POSTED IN healthy eating 101, how to cut out junk food, In the News