If you happened to watch the most recent Crossfit Games, you may have noticed they were brought to you by...soda. That's right: a soda company was sponsor of the 2016 Reebok CrossFit Games, the worldwide competition to find the Fittest On Earth. Not exactly something you'd associate with Coke or Pepsi or Mountain Dew (or my all-time favorite Dr. Pepper), is it? The name of the soda company is "Zevia", and my guest on today's show is Paddy Spence, who is a 23-year veteran of the natural and organic foods industry - a guy who completely cut sugar out from his diet 14 years ago, and a guy who then purchased Zevia, a line of stevia-sweetened sodas that is now the world's top-selling zero-calorie, natural diet soda. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters and is an avid athlete, having completed over 40 triathlons and trained in martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Shotokan Karate and boxing.
During our discussion, you'll discover:
-How one can make the argument that "caveman drank soda", and the fascinating history of fermented beverages and soda-like compounds...[12:00]
-How did the name Zevia come to be...[17:30]
-What causes "keto flu" and how to avoid getting it...[21:50]
-Why stevia tastes bitter to some people...[28:05] -Why Coke's "TruVia" and Pepsi's "PureVia" can actually be very bad for you (and why not all stevia is created equal)...[32:30]
-How sugar alcohols are processed by your body, and the one form of sugar alcohol that won't make you fart...[40:15]
-The little-known fruit grown in the foothills of China that actually does not spike your blood sugar...[42:25]
-Why many natural flavors come from pretty nasty sources, including the anal gland of a beaver...[50:00]
-The big reason you need to avoid anything that lists "caramel color"...[56:45]
-My own personal vodka cocktail mix I use with Creme Soda flavored Zevia, and how my kids make Root Beer Floats with Root Beer flavored Zevia...[59:00]
-Paddy's amazing recipe for a Zevia custard dessert...[61:10]
-And much more!
Resources from this episode: -Zevia soda -Simply Gum -Here’s the recipe for Banana Swirl, created by Paddy's amazing wife Jerra Spence: 2 frozen bananas, a pinch of cinnamon, and a couple of splashes of Zevia Cream Soda. Combine all of these in a high-powered blender and mix until the bananas are smooth & creamy. Place in freezer for 30-60 minutes. Serve in a dish, possibly with some stevia-sweetened chocolate chips on top!
Do you have questions, comments or feedback for Paddy or me? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and one of us will reply!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes present: Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial
Introducing… Aubrey O’Day Diddy’s former protege, television personality, platinum selling music artist, Danity Kane alum Aubrey O’Day joins veteran journalists Amy Robach and TJ Holmes to provide a unique perspective on the trial that has captivated the attention of the nation. Join them throughout the trial as they discuss, debate, and dissect every detail, every aspect of the proceedings. Aubrey will offer her opinions and expertise, as only she is qualified to do given her first-hand knowledge. From her days on Making the Band, as she emerged as the breakout star, the truth of the situation would be the opposite of the glitz and glamour. Listen throughout every minute of the trial, for this exclusive coverage. Amy Robach and TJ Holmes present Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, an iHeartRadio podcast.
Betrayal: Season 4
Karoline Borega married a man of honor – a respected Colorado Springs Police officer. She knew there would be sacrifices to accommodate her husband’s career. But she had no idea that he was using his badge to fool everyone. This season, we expose a man who swore two sacred oaths—one to his badge, one to his bride—and broke them both. We follow Karoline as she questions everything she thought she knew about her partner of over 20 years. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-3 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.