I just read an interesting article from LA Times that the Surgeon General is being asked for a report on soda. This would be similar to when they reported in the 1960’s about the harm of tobacco. My first reaction is, “Wow! They really think soda can be as harmful as tobacco?”

Bear with me and follow the logic.

1. Tobacco is addicting. 2. Tobacco causes lung cancer. 3. People die from tobacco.

1. Sodas can be addicting. 2. Soda (sugary drinks) is the only food/ beverage that has been linked to obesity. 3. Obesity causes fatal diseases (heart failure, stroke, etc.)……so is the next conclusion……. people die from soda???

Too far of a stretch for you?? It might be for some, but the people asking for the report are not politicians. It is mainly scientist and health organizations.

What is my take on it? If you have read my nutrition philosophy on the about page you will see NUMBER ONE: everything is okay in moderation. I truly believe this. Soda is obviously high in calories and sugar, and provides no nutritional benefit. Therefore, it should not be consumed frequently, but in moderation. My opinion of moderation for sodas: Once or twice a month. My husbands definition of moderation: Anytime he can sneak it behind my back! 🙂

So what about kids and soda. With the rise of childhood obesity across America, it makes me wonder if we should be stricter with soda consumption. Besides, we would never consider giving tobacco to our kids. Should we be just as concerned about soda? I think if parents viewed soda as the nutritional equivalent to candy (which it is), then they would make wiser decisions about if, when, and how frequently they give their child soda.

I truly believe that there are many correct ways to raise healthy, loving children. I think soda consumption is becoming one of those touchy subjects that parents will have to decide for themselves what is best for their child. As for my toddler, he only drinks milk and water. (No, he doesn’t drink juice either – more on that later.) We don’t even keep soda in the house, except for when the grandmas come visit!

So I do think it is a little extreme to compare soda to tobacco, but then again, the dietitian in me says it really isn’t that far of a leap. Maybe in 50 years, the next generations will think it was strange that we didn’t have warning labels on our sodas! What do you think? Is it totally crazy that soda is starting to be compared to tobacco?