Health

Here are some links for health information regarding candy and soda:

WebMD

Anything in excess is typically a bad thing, and sugar is no different. I never like to tell other people how to live but for myself, diabetes is a concern. Compared to many individuals, I consume a large amount of sugar. I have a thirst for soda that borders on addictive and I can tear through four bags of candy in a sitting unassisted. I love sugar and I consider it a vice so I try to treat it as such. I understand my limits, I combat the adverse effects, and I take time off when I feel like I can.

Knowing your limits means never drinking or eating beyond what is healthy for you. The most obvious sign is being uncomfortable, either feeling sick or bloated from too much. I can recall two major events considering soda where my health might have been in jeopardy. In high school, during an all-nighter to finish a paper I consumed 13 cans of soda, giving me a major buzz and swollen feet. The second event involves a bet to drink a 2-liter soda in a half hour lunch break. I did, but spent the rest of the work day hunched over.

Candy and soda when eaten in excess can cause serious health problems. The empty calories can cause obesity, which can lead to diabetes, as well as other health issues. Personally, sugary beverages have damaged my teeth. The best way to combat these health problems (outside of limiting consumption) is to exercise and take care of your teeth. Some choose to run, play sports, or work out, but whatever you do, remember the extra calories soda and candy add to your diet must be deleted in order not to gain weight. Or at least that's how I choose to live. On the tooth front, swishing some water after finishing a soda and regular brushing can help reduce soda and candy related decay.

As with any addiction, soda and candy can become overwhelming. From a scientific standpoint, caffeine in soda and substances in chocolate exhibit addictive traits and give them a powerful draw. When possible, it is good to go without soda, candy and chocolate for extended periods of time. For some this may mean a few days and for others maybe months, but either way, that time off may save you from overdoing it or even allow you to experience different tastes as well as live free of those extra empty calories for a period of time. I've done it and let me tell you, prior to stopping drinking soda for 6 months, I was having five a day. Now, I take a day off here and there and yes, there are still days when I have five, especially when blogging, but it's never everyday.

Everyone is different and everyone is free to do as they please. It does seem like many of us enjoy either soda, candy or chocolate, or all of them, so its essential not to let them control you.