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HEAL Wants You to “Rethink Your Drink”

 

The California-based Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Collaborative recently launched a campaign to convince Golden State residents to ditch sugary drinks such as soda for at least 30 days in favor of “refreshing cold water.”

The Rethink Your Drink campaign is aiming to get 8,000 Californians to pledge to eliminate their consumption of sugary drinks. HEAL is working with its 120 member agencies and partner groups to get the word out, and is offering support to local organizations, groups and agencies interested in adopting healthy food and beverage policies and expanding employee wellness programs.

Along with a healthier outlook, those who take the pledge will be entered to win a $250 American Express gift card.

HEAL is hoping to educate Californians about the negative health impacts of sugar-sweetened beverages, including soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, juices that are less than 100 percent juice and flavored vitamin waters. 

Nearly 60 percent of adults and more than 30 percent of children in California are overweight or obese, according to HEAL. The organization says reducing sugary drink consumption is an important part of the effort to reduce that figure, as 22 percent of the empty calories consumed by children and teens come from the beverages. Drinking one 20 ounce soda a day for a year is equal to nearly 95,000 calories and 60 pounds of sugar.

For more information, visit the Rethink Your Drink website