There are several commercials airing on New York television lately about a tax Governor David Patterson wants to put on sodas, special “fitness” waters and juice drinks. While this is basically a financial issue – New York is in bad financial shape and seems to be trying to generate income any way it can – I see more to this.
The types of drinks they are considering taxing are not “essential” to good health. In fact, they are probably one of the major contributors to the obesity problem. Soda is just junk – pure and simple. There is absolutely no health benefit whatsoever.
The so-called “fitness” or “vitamin” waters are no different from soda in my opinion. Why take something inherently healthy like water and add anything to it? Why are we always trying to improve on what God created thinking we know better?
Those “waters” have either sugar or dangerous artificial sweeteners along with some “vitamins” added. They are not the thing you should be consuming before or after you exercise! They provide no benefit except to lighten your wallet, if that was the effect you were after!
Fruit juices typically have either a lot of sugar or if they say no sugar added – be sure there are no artificial sweeteners added instead. You are better off eating a piece of fruit which contains vitamins, minerals and fiber along with the natural sugar. Your body will process it much more slowly and it will not impact your insulin levels as dramatically.
Keep in mind, the biggest consumers of these types of drinks are children! This is most damaging to them, yet many are addicted to these drinks and find pure water intolerably bland.
It isn’t a matter of depriving ourselves (or our children) of a necessity or of something that will bring benefit and improve health. In my opinion it boils down to spoiled people who are entrenched in awful habits who want what they want regardless of the consequences.
It’s not the government’s job to tax something in order for you to decide that you should phase it out of your life if it becomes too expensive. I don’t think that will work anyway – cigarettes are very expensive but addicted people find the money somewhere.
I think we need to be cleaning up our lives, working on eliminating habits that are destructive to our health and well-being and simplifying. These “extras” may become extremely expensive, but if you are able to take them or leave them – it won’t impact your life.
The bottom line is to exercise your will – make it strong and healthy. Your will is a very critical part of your soul (mind and emotions are the other components). We overlook the importance of a healthy will – but that’s where your choices and decisions are made. This tax just highlights the importance.
