Soda versus Beer

So it has been a little bit since my last post, but the holidays were such a crazy time.  I hope you all can understand.

I talked with my health coach today, my first call in a couple of weeks.  We discussed some of my activity (or lack thereof) over the holidays, and happened upon the topic of holiday parties.

Now, before the holiday season, my coach and I had discussed some strategies to use at the various holiday parties that I had in store for me.  I agreed that I was going to avoid alcohol at all of the parties that I went to (with the exception of New Year’s, with which I used an approach of strict moderation).

But I am the kind of guy that always needs to have a drink in my hand while I chat everybody up.  So this year I turned to cans of soda as my drink of choice.  But it wasn’t until my conversation today with my health coach that I realized my mistake.  I ended up drinking several sodas at each party that I went to and ended up taking in just about the same number of calories and grams of sugar that I would have if I had been drinking alcoholic beverages.

Lesson learned is that soda is not a healthy alternative to alcoholic drinks.  My health coach recommended that in the future, I substitute sparkling mineral water with a lime or lemon wedge if I need to keep a drink in my hand while socializing.  Just figured I would pass the advice along.