The Post

Set Aside the Soda

Soft drinks are the single largest contributor to the total calorie intake of Americans, and numerous studies have linked increased intake of sweetened beverages to rising American obesity rates over the past few decades. While this information may motivate you to reach for a diet soda, there are disagreements over the benefits of artificially sweetened beverages; they may actually increase appetite and encourage weight gain.

Try to kick your soda habit this week. Choose water with a squeeze of citrus, unsweetened tea, or 100 percent fruit/vegetable juice instead of a soft drink to save calories and reduce your hunger.