Sugar is likely the big cause of premature death.  I love sweet things but have been cutting back for a decade in an attempt to detox myself.

Mick it really is not sugar itself it is refinde sugars especailly high corn fructose, and also the combination of too much fat in the diet. So too much ice-cream is really bad for you (for example). Try honey instead, because it is natural our bodies can process it much easier and will give you some nutritents at the same time. Eating more fruit can curb your sweet cravings too.

May you live to 120 and enjoy it - Mum lived to 96 with a similar aversion to cool soft drinks and sugar. Her last few years were not that great however. I drink Coke with some rum, in moderation as they say. Have been warned off the premixed variety by my doc years ago. Rum without mix is no good and even in a tea or coffee I would need a couple of sugar cubes.

Likewise ardnher. I do have a younger brother that drinks multiple daily who I do hope will outlive me though. I drink too much coffee and tea (none with sugar or milk by the way. I gave those up at 12 just after getting into tea.)

The downside is that you are always being turned off by restaurant food where sugar has been used. They use it in spagetti sauces and have you ever tried baked beans at a restaurant breakfast? most is awful sugary muck despite the generally decent treatment, reasonable balance of condiments and natural goodness of beans.

As if there isn't enough sugar in the other stuff we eat. The fruit, lovely, and full of it.

Fruit also has a high level of sugar and just because it may seem to be OK because it is "natural sugar" it is still sugar.

Fruit also has a high level of sugar and just because it may seem to be OK because it is "natural sugar" it is still sugar.

Tom Tank fruit juice is fine as long as you juice it yourself and include the fibre sometimes. It is processed fruit juices that can be of concern.

Now where does one get Scrumpy around here. Been over in the old country and enjoyed quite a few of them there in the pub. Also were available in bottle shops. They look a lot more natural then the clear ciders here.

Cowboy Jim you can get a flagon of Old Rosie Scrumpy at Dan Murphy. Its is just over $20-00 a flagon. Try it you won't be dissappointed.

Thanks Casey - shall look for it next time at Murphy's!

Don't blame the drink industry - it lies with the people buying and drinking it. If we do not purchase

production will cease. Same with the cigarettes. My poison is mostly Aussie wines (every day too), even drink it when overseas.

I was blaming the drink industry for not closing the loop on their bottles and cans, we cannot keep up with the waste and they make no contribution to recycling despite the profits they make. People are not stopping drinking these products so something has to be done, it contributes to most of the waste that is going to landfill now because China is no longer taking recyling products and Australia is not set up to do it. This is where the manufactures have to take some responibility.

Problem is Jaid that companies are spreading lies all the time to convince you to buy their products and tell you it is healthy when it is not. 

Lying is one thing and probably usually involves some sort of gain, but lying for financial gain is definitely despicable. When it involves damage to consumers it is fair game for the courts. 

Lying is one thing and probably usually involves some sort of gain, but lying for financial gain is definitely despicable. When it involves damage to consumers it is fair game for the courts.