This weekend I am throwing my very first baby shower. My little sister is the mommy-to-be and I'm so excited to host her shower, especially since we are in our new house. I've been busy placing our wall hangings and pictures, cleaning up the flowerbeds, and finalizing the shower details. Yesterday I went shopping for all the things I would need for Saturday and as I reviewed what drinks I would be offering, I doubted myself on whether my decision to not have soda was the right one. I decided that it was. I did the same at my son's first birthday party, and I distinctly remember it because at that party I did offer soda but it was diet. An outspoken friend came up and asked what was up with all the diet soda. "Where's all the regular soda?" she demanded. My reply was this: "I don't believe in it." Kind of funny but also very true. At the time I was okay with diet soda, but I now know that while it doesn't have all the sugar and calories that regular soda has, it still has sugar substitutes and chemicals that, for one thing, can leach calcium from the body, which can promote the development of osteoporosis. My husband drinks diet soda and doesn't understand why I worry. But as a woman, I have good reason to. Particularly as a small-framed woman. I may only be 24-years-old now, but I would like to be able to walk around (and even exercise) in a few decades without worrying about breaking a hip.
So it may sound crazy and overbearing, but why would I feed people something that I know can do so much harm to their bodies, and something they can easily do without for a few hours. I plan to have plenty of options so that they probably won't even miss it!
You will see that as you learn more and more about food and what's good for you and what's not, you will allow certain allowances in your life. Some, in moderation, are worth it. Others, you may feel a stronger conviction against and be willing to give up. You will see the value in some and try to add them into your meals as much as you can (that's tomatoes for me!). Everyone is different and will need to watch out for certain types of food and chemicals, as well as diseases that may be inherited from the family.
My outspoken friend can offer all the soda she wants at her parties, but if you're coming to mine, don't expect it. That is, of course, unless my husband sneaks it in.
2 comments:
I hear ya! The artificial sweetners increase the risk of cancer as well. At Madison's party I could not serve hotdogs with nitrate in them knowing that nitrate is bad for your heart. It cost more but having peace of mind is priceless :-) Way to go Amanda!
Yes,I'm so glad you mentioned hot dogs! While I do treat myself to a diet soda once in a while, hot dogs are one food item I have taken off my ok-to-eat list forever! We don't eat them. Period. No exceptions. And for the exact reason that you stated. They have nitrates, which are known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). There are turkey and veggie hot dogs available for those who would like an alternative to this American favorite!
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