ONE a day adds 15 pounds a year, will ruin your diet and is the biggest causes of Obesity?

Soft drinks; the silent and bubbly killer! The American Beverage Association's spin doctors will have us believe that "complete and total abstainence would have little to no impact on public health" but I for one beg to differ.

I have witnessed thousands of people who lose weight simply by giving up soft drinks--even the "diet" ones! There is no better beverage for your body than water. I don't think anyone would add 12 teaspoons of sugar in a 12 ounce glass of water, yet that is exactly what you get when you drink a can of soft drink. And if you drink the typical servings size 64 ounces (a standard 'Gulp" at 7-11) you are getting 1 CUP of sugar! see sugar in soft drinks stats NEVER would you put a CUP of sugar in a glass of water that size (or any size!) yet we think nothing of it when it's a seemingly innocent and oh-so refreshing soft drink.

If you are at all concerned with your health and your figure you HAVE to bust soft drinks out of your diet.

as reported in the Chicago Tribune

Soda is loaded with more calories, sugar and chemicals than many people realize. Here are nutritionists' tips for cutting it out - or at least down:

Get some perspective. Estimate how much soda you drink in a week (if you have no idea, keep a food diary for seven days). Then use a calculator to add up how many calories and sugar grams your habit costs you.

Give yourself time. Most people can't go cold turkey. One strategy is to cut back by 25 percent the first week, 50 percent the second week, and so on.

Find other fizz. Seltzer water, mineral water and club soda all have the same feel on your tongue as soda. Experiment by mixing them into small amounts of 100 percent fruit juices.

Find other sweets. When you crave a sugary taste, eat a piece of fruit or chew some sugarless gum.

Drink lots of water. Buy a refillable water cooler and keep it with you at home, at work and in the car.

Stock up on alternatives. Decaffeinated tea and flavored water are top choices for your refrigerator. Some 100 percent fruit juice also is good, but be aware that juices have calories and sugar too.

Switch to diet - maybe. Nutritionists are mixed on diet soda, which is calorie-free but still contains chemicals and may increase cravings for sweet foods. If you want to switch, try mixing some diet soda into regular, gradually increasing the ratio as your taste buds adjust. Note: some say diet soda from a fountain tastes better at first than drinking from cans or bottles.

Prepare yourself. You may be addicted not only to soda's taste but to the caffeine in some brands. Withdrawal symptoms may include fatigue and irritability.

and, I can add a much more healthful suggestion to do with the money that you will save by NOT purchasing/consuming soft drinks, spend the $1.40 per day you would WASTE on something that would only serve to harm your health and something that will help to ensure that you are getting the needed nutrients from fruits and vegetables that 95% of Americans DON'T get!! Take Juice Plus+!!