In this issue:
~ Rethinking Regular Soda Consumption
~ Refreshing Alternatives to Commercial Sodas
~ Basic Food Fitness Tele-Program STARTS NEXT TUES. 6/3
~ Natural, Healthy Lower-Carb Eating Tele-Program
~ What's a Tele-Program?

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~ RETHINKING REGULAR SODA CONSUMPTION ~

Sweet, sparkling, empty-calorie soda pop has become America's
favorite drink.  In just the last 50 years soda consumption 
has increased by over 500%. 

Mass advertising and availability is at the root of this mass
intake of liquid candy.  And contractual agreements with 
public schools and recreational facilities are some of the most 
lucrative venues.  Soft drinks are now sold in over 60% of 
public schools. It's no wonder when you consider that the 
profit margin on soda is 90%.

This is great for the soda manufacturers, but poses 
increasing health risks for the children and adults who are 
guzzling it down in ever increasing amounts.   
  
I recently spoke before the Denver Public School Board, 
making a plea to not renew their contract with Pepsi.
The board was split on the issue and unfortuately it passed
by one vote.

Before you cast your vote in favor of regular soda consumption
in your household, work place, or local school, consider the 
plea I made to the Denver school board.  As you read, keep 
in mind that although the statistics cited are for children, 
parallel statistics exist for the adult population as well
Here is my 3 minute alloted speech to the school board:

We are now the fattest country in the world.  The rate of 
obesity among our children alone - has tripled in the last 
two decades.

The same two decades in which soda consumption among children 
has tripled for boys and doubled for girls. 

According to a study recently cited in the Lancet Medical 
Journal,drinking one soda or sweetened beverage a day - 
increases the risk for obesity among children by 60%.  

In addition, soda consumption puts children at risk for learning 
and behavioral disorders and Type 2 diabetes.  Previously known 
as ‘adult onset’ diabetes, because it rarely struck those under 
the age of 50, Type 2 diabetes has now reached epidemic 
proportions among children over the past decade.
(For complete article on The Ominous Rise of Diabetes in Kids:
http://www4.fosters.com/health/articles/2003/health_0422a.asp) 

The same decade in which mass marketing campaigns and the mass 
availability of soft drinks have been introduced into the public 
school systems. 
 
In response to the frequently voiced argument that students are 
free to choose whether or not they drink soda; certainly 
there exist many choices that students are free to make and yet 
are not allowed on school grounds.  The question is not whether 
or not children are free to make the choice to drink soda, the 
question is does this choice put them at risk?

With the positions you hold comes the obligation to protect the 
welfare of the children you serve.  The promotion of soda 
consumption with its inherent health risks, is clearly a 
violation of this obligation.

If you extend the contract with Pepsi - from this day forward, 
the sight of every obese, overweight, diabetic or behaviorally-
challenged child will weigh heavy on your mind. And if the past
decade is any indication of what's to come, there will be many.

If instead you forgo the contract, you will look into the eyes 
of these same children and feel confidant that you have done 
right by them.  

I implore you NOT to extend the contract with Pepsi.  Do it for 
the children, do it for yourselves – do it for the future of 
our nation.  

Administrators cite budget cuts in defense of their decision
to compromise our children's health. It's difficult for me to 
swallow this excuse when the local news flashes stories about 
$6 million dollar park renovations to include a new ice rink 
and fountain, and a $30 million new sports stadium to include
the latest technology score boards. It's about priorities, not
budget cuts.  There is plenty of money floating around.  Our
children and our health have just become low priorities.   

Whether you have children or not, whether you drink soda or
not, this is a societal issue that affects all of us. 
Individual values are what ultimately drive social values.
I encourage you as an individual to put a high priority on
your health, and the health of our children.  You can start 
by just saying no to soda pop!
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Now for the good news!! -
~ REFRESHING ALTERNATIVES TO COMMERCIAL SODA ~
I used to be a Pepsi-aholic myself so I understand the 
allure and the addiction.  Today I find the smell and taste 
of soda offensive as my taste buds have acclimated to a 
more natural palate.

If you are transitioning off regular soda, but not quite
ready to let it go, try the more natural varieties now widely
available such as Blue Sky or Hansen's.  Eventually you will
want to reduce these to a minimum or eliminate them altogether 
as they are not much better than the big brands.

Try these delicious beverages as an alternative.  Realize that
if you are accustomed to the *extreme* taste of soda they may
not seem satisying at first.  This will change, however, so
be patient and give your taste buds a chance to catch up with 
your desire to make more healthful choices. 

~ 1 ~ Tangy Lemonade 
1 cup fresh lemon juice (approx. 8-10 medium lemons)
OR
1 cup Santa Cruz organic 100% lemon juice (not from concentrate)
4 cups purified water
1/4-1/2 tsp. liquid Stevia 
¼ cup + 1 tbsp. pure maple syrup
¼ cup pure cranberry juice (optional, for pink lemonade)
1 lemon sliced very thin to add as garnishment

Mix liquids together in pitcher or 1-2 quart glass jar.  Add 
thin lemon slices as garnishment.  This is a tangy lemonade 
that can withstand a little dilution from added ice on a hot 
summer’s day. It's also a powerful liver cleanser. 

~ 2 ~ Apple-Orange Soda

2 parts pure unsweetened apple juice
1 part pure unsweetened orange juice
1 part sparkling mineral water or plain Club Soda

If the fizz is what excites you about soda, this is a 
delicous alternative you'll love.  This is the basic recipe 
for starters, but don't feel you have to stick to it. Children 
especially love to experiment to find their own favorite ratio 
of the ingredients.   

~ 3 ~ Herbal Iced Tea

4 bags fruity herbal tea of your choice
(blackberry, strawberry, apple cinnamon, etc.)
1 quart pure water
1/4 tsp. liquid Stevia 

This mild, refreshing recipe is **so easy** to make! Just place 
the herbal tea bags in a quart jar, fill with pure water, add 
the stevia,shake and place in the fridge for a couple hours or 
so. Voila - fruity iced tea! Add a little apple juice for a bit 
more zing, if you like. 
____________________

These refreshing drinks will keep you cool, satisfied and healthy
all summer long.  After drinking them regularly, soon you'll find 
you have lost the desire for regular soda and won't miss it at all.  

Bring a quart or two to work and save all the money you would have 
spent on soda from the vending machine.  Reward yourself at the end 
of the Summer by spending the money you saved on something special
for yourself.  (Perhaps a new outfit in a smaller size!)

Making the switch to healthier alternatives can be an enjoyable
adventure.  So, experiment and have fun!

NOTE: There are many kinds of Stevia - some better tasting than
others.  I recommend Stevia Glycerite by NOW, avail at most
health food stores.

For more on Stevia, nature's ultimate sweetener, go to:
http://www.wellnesscoaching.com/learn/eat4health/stevia.htm 
 
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~ Starts Next Tuesday 6/3 ~

THE BASIC FOOD FITNESS PROGRAM 8-week Teleprogram
This life-changing program provides the practical know-how you 
need to build a healthier eating lifestyle that you can live with.
Going on vacation?  Might miss a class or two?  Don't let that 
stop you - this program is recorded for your listening convenience!
Register now - there's still room, would love to have you!
 
DATES: 8 Tuesdays, June 3rd – July 22nd, 2003 
TIME: 9-10pm EST (7pm Mtn) 
FEE: $99
____________________

NATURAL, HEALTHY LOWER-CARB EATING 4-week Teleprogram 
This program takes a sensible, time-honored approach to low-carb 
eating that everybody can enjoy.  Learn how to get the results 
you desire without the use of artificial sweeteners, overly-
processed pseudo-foods, or the excessive use of wheat gluten, 
soy and animal products so frequently used in low-carb regimes.  

DATES: 4 Thursdays, June 19, 26 & July 3, 10, 2003 
TIME: 9-10pm EST (7pm Mtn)
FEE: $49
____________________

For complete itinerary and to register, go to:
http://foodfitnessbyphone.com/programs.htm

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WHAT'S A TELE-PROGRAM? - Tele-programs are conveniently 
conducted via tele-conference call from wherever you are. They 
are live and interactive, so you can listen to lectures, 
contribute to discussions, ask questions and make commitments 
to individualized action steps. Just dial the telebridge line 
number given upon registration at the designated time and you've 
arrived.  Bathrobe and slippers preferred attire!
NOTE: Long distance charges apply.

For more information on FOOD FITNESS by phone healthy
eating tele-programs, please visit:
http://foodfitnessbyphone.com

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Happy Summer and good health to you all! Until next time...  

Eat well, drink well, be well -
Kelly


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Contact: kh@wellnesscoaching.com
Call : 303-746-8970 
For more great information: http://wellnesscoaching.com