Posted on April 5, 2007
Not only are you what you eat; but now studies show you are what you drink too.
According to a panel interviewed by the New York Times, about 21 percent of calories consumed by Americans over the age of 2 come from beverages, predominantly soft drinks and fruit drinks with added sugars.
“These calories do little or nothing to curb your appetite,” the panel reported. “People do not compensate for the calories they drink by eating less.”
Freshman Amy Morawitz said she was surprised by this fact.
“I didn’t realize the number was that high, though I can see where drinks factor in,” she said, “especially if you’re drinking soda.”
A 12-ounce can of Dr. Pepper contains 40 grams of sugar and 150 calories. Soda isn’t the only contributor to high caloric intake; there are 267 calories found in a 16-oz. Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks.
Despite the high calorie counts, students continue to consume these beverages.
For Jon Stafford, a freshman business major with five 8 a.m. classes, buying coffee is part of the morning routine.
“It helps me wake up and maybe participate in class,” he said. “Otherwise, I might as well go back to sleep rather than sleeping through a lecture.”
Stafford averages three cups a day: one to wake up, two to stay up. This is an additional 800 calories a day which, according to the panel from the Times article, do little or nothing to quell his appetite.
Director of Dining Services Stephanie Hoshower has seen a shift in students drinking habits in dining halls.
“We have seen a trend toward purchasing bottled water, teas, milk and energy drinks,” she said. “This has been especially true in the last three years as students embrace the trend toward natural ingredients and balanced diets.”
The Coca-Cola Company has adapted to appease recent consumer demands.
“Just here at JMU, Coca-Cola has expanded its offerings with more new products in the last two years than in the prior eight,” Hoshower said.
A few recent additions include Green Tea, Vault, Powerade, and Dasani flavored water.
“Water is probably the healthiest drink we have available,” Hoshower said.
