The increasing problem of overweight and obesity in children has caused an increasing number of researchers to question the role of soft drinks in this major public health issue. While soft drinks are a significant calorie source in the average western diet, neither carbonated drinks nor any other single food or drink is solely responsible for the problem of overweight or obesity. Many complex factors contribute to obesity and overweight in children and adults, however the main factor is usually the over-consumption of calories combined with a lack of physical activity.

Parents concerned about overweight should encourage children to stay physically active, and ensure they eat a sensible and varied balanced diet. While the majority of children’s hydration should come from still and sparkling water, carbonated drinks can be enjoyed in moderation as they also provide the body with fluids. For children at higher…

Orange Flavored Ginger Ale

My family and I have been having so much fun experimenting with our new Soda Stream.  We have tried dozens of different concoctions but one of our favorites is what we call Orange Flavored Ginger Ale. It is sparkly and perfect according to my boys.

My boys love hopping on the counter and helping measure out the soda.  Their favorite part has to be watching the bubbles and hearing the funny noise the Soda Stream makes when the soda is ready.

Here’s a look at our family’s favorite drink.

Here is our Ginger Ale and Orange Flavor used to flavor water

Orange Flavored Ginger Ale

1 capful of Ginger Ale

1 teaspoon Orange Flavoring (my water)

Fill  your SodaStream bottle with water up to the line.  Attach bottle to Soda Steam and pull lever…

Every year on January 1^st we make resolutions that are usually broken a few weeks later. So in honor of the Chinese New Year (January 23^rd!) and to inspire a return to those forgotten promises, here are a few tips from our nutritionist Roni Enten!

1. Get moving: We all know how important exercise and now a lack of time is no excuse not to get yours – even several bursts of 10 minutes of activity can make a huge impact on your health just as one longer session does.

2. Increase your intake of greens and colored fruits and veggies: Leafy green vegetables are a particularly great way to get much needed vitamins, minerals, fiber, and consuming a full rainbow of colors when it comes to your other fruits and vegetables means you’re getting a full array of disease-fighting antioxidants, too.

3. Drink…

Have you heard?  SodaStream has a new nutritionist, Roni Enten! Visit our New You Facebook tab to ask your nutrition questions and start living a healthier life! Here are a couple of her most recent fun facts and tips:

According to a recent study, people who drink less than a few glasses daily of water may be more likely to develop high blood sugar. Check out the hydration calculator on the SodaStream website to assess your personal fluid needs and then drink up to stay hydrated and help keep blood sugar stable. http://www.sodastream.com/thenewyou/hydration/hydrationcalculator

Fun soda fact: Bubbly water first became popular as a cure-all for a variety of ailments since pharmacists used to mix “medicines” with soda water and flavorings to help them go down easier. Even today, in many parts of the world, sparkling water is infused with herbs and…

Sweetness is a universally pleasurable experience and plays a key role for many people when choosing food and drinks. One’s personal preferences for the sweet taste can be satisfied with a number of caloric or low- and no-calorie sweeteners. Caloric sweeteners include simple sugars like fructose and glucose, as well as foods that naturally contain these sugars, such as honey and cane sugar. For most people, foods and drinks which contain these sweeteners can fit into a balanced lifestyle when consumed in healthy moderation.

Low- and no-calorie sweeteners are typically a few hundred times sweeter than table sugar, so very small portions of these need to be used to add sweetness to food and drinks. The sweet taste of such sweeteners provides few, if any, calories, making the foods and drinks that sweetened with them a good choice for those looking to reduce caloric…