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.