Success StoryThink Your Drink



Think Your Drink

Author: Judy McGuire

Planning Unit: Floyd County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

While observing a local ladies rehabilitation center, Hope in the Mountains, it was obvious that sugary drinks were quickly becoming a large part of their everyday diet. Mountain Dew, Coke and Pepsi seemed to be their chosen favorites. Some said they drink at least three or four 20 ounce sodas a day. 

The following week the Floyd County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEF) Senior Assistant taught a lesson on “Think Your Drink.” Asking a participant to add teaspoons of sugar to a 20oz. soda bottle until she thought it equaled the same amount of sugar that was actually in a soda. The other participants were to stand when they though it was enough.  In a group of 24, 7 stood up after 3 tsp. 5 more stood up after 5 tsp. and the remaining 12 stood after 4 more teaspoons were added for a total of 12 teaspoons of sugar in the bottle The assistant then added 4 more for a total number of 16 teaspoons of sugar that are actually in a 20 ounce soda. The group was really surprised at the amount of sugar that was in one 20oz. soda. The following discussion was, “just think, I drink at least three a day, and no wonder I have gained so much weight since I have been here and no more soda for my kids.” 

According to the survey given at the beginning of the class and the second one given at the end of the class, 75% of the class are now drinking less soda and more water. 






Stories by Judy McGuire


Teen Cuisine to the Rescue

about 2 years ago by Judy McGuire

While talking with a local educator/basketball coach at a local elementary school he was very conce... Read More


Getting Back on Track

about 2 years ago by Judy McGuire

Getting Back on TrackTwo local rehabilitation centers in Floyd County, Hope in the Mountains and Mou... Read More


Stories by Floyd County CES


Dinner for Two Continues and Grows Floyd County Families Closer

Dinner for Two Continues and Grows Floyd County Families Closer

about 2 years ago by Andrea Slone

According to the United States Census Bureau there are 18,623 households in Floyd County, KY with an... Read More


New Life Skills Club

about 2 years ago by Heather Coleman

This year Floyd County 4-H partnered with the David School to start a life skills club. The club had... Read More