It’s Oscars season in the US, and for movie enthusiasts like me, it’s the best time of the year. Around the holiday season, I make it a point to catch up on the films that are likely to head into Oscar nominations. It’s not just about the glitz and glamour—it’s about understanding the diverse stories, genres, and creative visions that the Academy celebrates. And let’s be honest, the newly restructured nomination and voting process has made it even more intriguing.

While some might not care for the Oscars or the films in contention, I find it fascinating to explore the wide array of topics and genres that get recognized. Sure, no one really talks about the Best Live Action Short, but the top six awards—Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and the Supporting categories—often make history. It’s equally compelling to watch how a win (or even a nomination) can send careers and personal lives spiraling—sometimes up, sometimes down.

This year, I’ve checked out quite a mix: The Substance, Wicked, Conclave, Anora, Emilia Perez, Dune: Part 2, A Complete Unknown, A Real Pain, and The Brutalist. Quite the list, right? The diversity in these films reflects how the nomination criteria have evolved. Anyone can nominate a film now, as long as it meets the criteria. (You can dig into the full details if you’re curious.)

But this post isn’t about predicting who will win Best Picture. It’s about how we spend our time—specifically, how we spend it while watching these films.

The Movie-Watching Experience: Alone vs. With Company

I watched most of these movies alone. Why? Because I love immersing myself in the time period, the atmosphere, and the story. For me, it’s a two-hour (or sometimes three-and-a-half-hour) event that deserves my full attention. Take The Brutalist, for example. I started watching it with company, but apparently, smacking on blueberries and mid-film chatter was considered acceptable. Not for me. I ended up splitting that 3.5-hour epic into two solo sessions. Much better.

Popcorn? Yes. Soda? Let’s Talk.

Now, let’s get to the part I’m most excited to write about. You know how people say “movie and popcorn” like it’s the ultimate combo? Sure, it sounds delightful. But then they add, “How about a side of soda?” And that’s where I urge you to reconsider.

Over the years, I’ve completely cut out everything but water and coffee. (If you’re curious about my stance on alcohol, check out my previous post.) But soda? That’s a whole other story. I grew up in a fairly healthy household, but even we had orange juice and the occasional apple juice. In my mid-twenties, I decided to cut all of that out. Yes, there was a time when I loved a Diet Coke or a ginger ale with Chinese food on a Friday night. But the longer I’ve gone without soda, the better I’ve felt.

The Longevity Debate and a Simple Soda Flush

There’s a huge longevity debate happening right now among health professionals. Every digital healthcare company is jumping on the bandwagon, bringing healthcare to your doorstep, your fingertips, or even your wrist. Suddenly, everyone’s racing to optimize their health—but where exactly are they racing to? Here’s my take: the best thing you can do for your health is to cut out one thing. Start small. And my suggestion? A soda flush.

If you’re used to buying soda during your weekly grocery run, reconsider. The middle aisles of a supermarket are where trouble starts—cookies, soda, snacks, pasta, and all the processed foods that do no favors for your health. My first suggestion? Don’t buy it. If it’s not in your house, you won’t drink it.

And don’t even get me started on diet soda. That stuff is worse. Aspartame, the sugar substitute, isn’t doing you any favors. You can’t trick your body into thinking it’s good for you. Your body will process it as an unknown substance, breaking it down and storing it in ways that could have unknown side effects down the road.

How Bad Is Soda, Really?

Let’s look at the facts. According to the NIH:

• Soft drinks have been banned from schools in Britain and France. In the US, major school systems like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Miami have also banned or severely limited soft drink sales.
• Soft drinks and added sugars like high fructose corn syrup are linked to higher body weights.

Now, I won’t dive into all the variables that can cause confusion. You can’t design the perfect trial to measure soda’s true impact—there are too many factors like genetics, lifestyle, and body composition. But what you can do is look at multiple studies and see the overall consensus: soda is bad for you. It’s an empty sugar rush with no nutritional value—no protein, no nutrients. It’s designed to taste good and be addictive. So yes, it’s hard to quit. But if you can do one thing that’s free, saves you money, and costs no extra time, it’s giving up soda.

My Routine: Water, Coffee, and the Once-A-Year Ginger Ale

I stick to water. I replenish my two large water bottles twice a day. Yes, I drink coffee (black, no milk), and maybe once a year, I’ll enjoy a ginger ale. But that’s it. Here’s my rule of thumb: if it’s unnaturally colored—meaning it wouldn’t exist in nature—it’s probably not good for your body. Your body knows. Too much sugar leads to insulin resistance (aka diabetes mellitus), and your body will react to these artificial sugars in ways you might not expect.

Even cutting out one soda a day can lead to massive benefits. So, when you sit down for Oscar night or head to the movie theater, think about your drink choice. Because that soda? It’s leading you in the exact opposite direction of Medicine 2.0.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact

Consider what you can do in your time that’s free, saves you money, and could potentially save you thousands in medical bills down the road. Your waistline and brain will thank you. Trust me, soda is addictive for a reason, and yes, you might experience withdrawal—just like quitting cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs. Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true.

So, as you enjoy this year’s Oscar-nominated films, think about the small changes you can make. Your health is worth it.