A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more Americans are taking an active role in their physical fitness by hitting the pavement on a regular basis. According to the survey of more than 20,000 people, the proportion of adults taking a 10-minute walk at least once a week increased significantly, from 56 percent in 2005 to 62 percent in 2010. In addition, the proportion of adults who met federal guidelines for aerobic exercise also grew from  42 percent in 2005 to 48 percent in 2010. Moreover, walking increased across all races, ages and geographic regions.

While we here at Sip & Savor certainly applaud this progress, we also know there is still much more we need to do as a nation to be successful in our efforts to combat obesity. We often write about the importance of physical activity and exercise, and we stress that balancing calories consumed from all sources with those burned through physical activity is an important component to maintaining a healthy weight.

So keep on walking, America – and remember to stay hydrated while you do so – but also keep an eye on the calories you consume, too. To help you out, our industry voluntarily places calorie labels on the front of every bottle, can and pack we produce, making it easier for you to make informed choices about the beverages that are best for you and your family.