Got Milk? group behind the new ‘Think About Your Drink’ campaign
CITYWIDE Forget carbs and partially hydrogenated fats, it’s what we’re sipping on that might be making us fat.
One of the driving forces behind America’s expanding problem with obesity can be found in the sodas and mochas with whip that so many Santa Monicans carry around through the day, a new report suggests.
The report, brought to you by the same group behind the “Got Milk” campaign, was based on a study by ENVIRON International Corporation on the drinking habits of more than 10,000 Americans age 4 and older who responded to a survey by the National Health and Nutrition Examination. Released this week, “What America Drinks” found that beverages accounted for 22 percent of the total calorie intake for the average American.
In health-conscious areas such as Los Angeles and Santa Monica, nutritionists steering clear of the demons of bread and pasta on their plates would be wise to take a closer look at what’s in their cups.
“I’m not a big coffee drinker, but I take 2 percent with mine,” said 28-year-old John Griffith at the Third Street Promenade on Thursday. “I am a pretty healthy drinker when I’m not drinking beer.”
Some studies indicate that teenagers and adults who drink more milk and less artificially flavored and sweetened drinks will have an easier time maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
The daily calorie intake varies from person to person, but most diets are based on a 2,000-calorie intake, said Valerie Gawin, the owner of Westside MNT Specialist in Malibu, and a registered dietitian and public health specialist.
High calories can be found in some of the most popular drinks in the world — a Peenya Kowlada at Jamba Juice contains 690 calories for a 24-ounce drink, or about 230 calories for an 8-ounce drink; a 12-ounce, or “tall,” Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, sans whipped cream, contains 240 calories; a bottle of Vitamin Water has 125 calories; and a 12-ounce soft drink contains about 150 calories.
Patrons along the promenade had mixed reactions to the study on Thursday. While some have fallen into the health-conscious mentality of Southern California, others simply don’t care about what’s in the drinks they consume.
“I drink Diet Coke. OK, actually normal Coke, and a lot of it,”said 22-year-old Vanessa Pavan.“I also love fruit juices. I don’t care about the health thing.”
Many contend they try to drink water as much as they can, and avoid coffee and other high-calorie drinks.
Samantha Niseboim, 22, grew up in Chicago, where healthy eating was never a concern. But in Los Angeles, she tries to maintain the lifestyle by avoiding coffee and soda, and drinking what seems like 10 bottles of water every day, “just because it makes me feel good.”
Milk is perhaps one of the most important drinks to consume, according to the report, which found that teenage boys consumed an average of 32 ounces of sweetened beverages a day — the equivalent of four glasses of soda, but only 12 ounces of milk. Teenage girls on the other hand, drink an average of 7 ounces of milk, which is not even a full serving.
As for milk, Gawin said that Americans should drink nonfat and lowfat milk when possible, though whole milk does have its benefits for Americans who are on the opposite end of the spectrum and are trying to gain weight.
One glass of fat free milk has about 90 calories, while whole milk has about 150.
“People are not aware in the pyramid that the dairy group is very important in a diet,” Gawin said. “The dairy group is important because, in comparison to other beverages, milk is full of nutrients.”
Nutrients like potassium, riboflavin, niacin and calcium.
BUSINESSES PUSH THE GOOD STUFF Businesses like Starbucks and Jamba Juice say they have made strides in encouraging a healthier lifestyle for their customers.
Last year, Jamba Juice rolled out a series of new drinks with less than 190 calories in the standard 16-ounce sizes. Called “Jamba Light!” the drinks are made from 100 percent real natural fruit and a low calorie dairy base of non fat milk.
“We did it in an effort to meet the needs of the consumers after hearing that they were looking for something pure and simple, and nutritious and delicious at the same time,” said Kara Burke, spokeswoman for Jamba Juice.
Because the drinks are higher in calories relative to other drinks and are rich in nutrients, some customers do substitute them for actual meals.
Smoothies are a popular drink of choice for many people who want to indulge in a sinful-like drink with very little guilt.
“I make shakes and smoothies at home,” said 36-year-old Pete Cho on the promenade on Thursday. “I like to add my own protein boosts.”
Seattle-born Starbucks, known for its high-calorie yet oh-so-delicious drinks, also offers a series low-fat and low-calorie drinks like the Frappuccino Light blended beverage line, said Montey Dunn, a local Starbucks representative, on Friday.
More than one-third of the beverages sold from the stores are low calorie and low fat drinks, including non-fat lattes and brewed coffee, Dunn said.
“We have made progress and will continue to manage our menu, balancing positive nutrition and the wide variety of products our customers demand,” Dunn said.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 13, 2007. Read the original PDF.