104 Year Old Lady Drinks Diet Coke
Looking for the secret to longevity? This 104-year-old woman says the answer is Diet Coke.
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Looking for the secret to a long life? Perhaps you need to look no further than Diet Coke. Theresa Rowley of Grand Rapids, Michigan recently celebrated her 104th birthday on January 1, 2018. Rowley says her secret to longevity is lots of Diet Coke—at least one can of the soda a day.
"I drink it because I like it," Rowley told WZZM. "I'm going shopping Wednesday, and I need more Diet Coke. I have a bag full of empty Diet Coke cans that I need to return to buy more Diet Coke." Rowley was 68-years-old when Diet Coke first appeared on store shelves.
Born in Illinois in 1914, Rowley lived in North Dakota before moving to Michigan where she now lives in a retirement community. She says she never thought she'd make it to 104.
"When I was 100, I thought I'd never be 104," she said. "Then I turn 101, and nothing happens… Here I am 104, and still nothing happens."
While Rowley may attribute her longevity to the soft drink, diet sodas aren't the healthiest choice. Theser artificially sweetened beverages aren't too great for your teeth and they can irritate your stomach, among other health problems. This being said, the occasional Diet Coke (or other diet beverage) won't hurt you (in fact, we like to enjoy the new Diet Coke flavors from time to time). Just be sure to try some of these more hydrating drinks (and plenty of water!) more regularly.
At 104, we don't blame Theresa for indulging herself, but if you're looking to swap out diet drinks and sodas, try these refreshing alternatives!
Sip on this!
Pomegranate Ginger Spritzer
Conveniently, a pitcher of this non-alcoholic beverage can be made hours before holiday guests arrive. Add the club soda just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sunshine Lime Rickey
This is my re-creation of the lime rickey sodas served at my favorite burger place. I even tried a version using my own homemade bitters. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Tropical Cooler
With only four simple ingredients, this refreshing punch is easy to stir up in just 10 minutes. I served it at a party for my son, and everyone liked the slightly tart flavor. —Robin Werner, Brush Prairie, Washington
Watermelon Spritzer
It couldn't get much easier than this bright spritzer! "Watermelon blended with limeade is cool and refreshing. It's a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summer day." —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Orange Blossom Mint Refresher
I came up with this recipe because I'm not a fan of regular iced tea. This tea has the perfect combination of freshness and sweetness. The orange blossom water gives it a distinctive flavor. People often request the recipe after just one sip. —Juliana Gauss, Centennial, Colorado
Pink Rhubarb Punch
Rhubarb is the featured ingredient in this blush-colored punch. A friend passed the recipe on to me, and we enjoy it so much that I thought others might, too. —Rebecca Mininger, Jeromesville, Ohio
Citrus & White Grape Juice Party Punch
I was looking for a drink that wouldn't stain expensive prom dresses and tuxedos. Everyone loved this white grape juice and lemonade punch! You can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving. —Karen Ballance, Wolf Lake, Illinois
Cranberry-Apple Spritzer
This is an easy cranberry-apple spritzer to make for your guests for the holidays. Serve it hot or cold. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Festive Cranberry Colada
I had to do a lot of coaxing to get this recipe from a chef I knew, but my persistence paid off. Since it contains cranberry juice, it is wonderful at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I like it on hot days, too. —Susan Kieboam, Amherstburg, Ontario
Warm Cider Cranberry Punch
I first made this at an instructional cooking camp. My kids loved it so much that, for a time, they insisted we make it every day. Serve it hot in the winter or with the ice during the summer. —Carol Gehringer, Raleigh, North Carolina
Mango Orange Quencher
Serve this beautiful beverage at your next brunch in place of mimosas. Just chill the base an hour before adding the club soda. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Citrus Cider Punch
I share this refreshing punch recipe with people who visit our apple cider mill. It's perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings. —Carolyn Beck, St Johns, Michigan
Scarlet Sipper
This sweet, tart and slightly fizzy drink is a favorite for gatherings at our church. The bright color sets a festive tone, and the flavors blend seamlessly. —Amber Goolsby, Geneva, Alabama
Party Punch
When friends of mine got married, I absolutely loved the punch they served—but they wouldn't give out the recipe! We spent many Saturdays figuring out just the right combination. —Annette Lee, Lepanto, Arkansas
Cranberry Cherry Punch
This crimson-colored beverage is wonderful for Christmas and looks festive in a glass punch bowl. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
Easy Citrus Slush
Our church's hostess committee has relied on this refreshing drink for bridal and baby showers and other events. We often use different flavored gelatins to match the decor of the occasion. —Joy Bruce, Welch, Oklahoma
Sparkling Coconut Grape Juice
This sparkling drink is a nice change of pace from lemonade and party punch. The lime, coconut and grape combination is so refreshing. Add a splash of gin if you're feeling bold. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Pink Party Punch
This easy punch will be the highlight of any party. The fruity flavors blend perfectly together, making it impossible to have just one glass.—Carol Garnett, Bellevue, Washington
Warm Christmas Punch
Red Hot candies add rich color and spiciness to this festive punch, and the cranberry juice gives it a little tang. Our children always request it for December brunches. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Iced Honeydew Mint Tea
I grow mint in the garden on my balcony. For this tea, I blend two of my favorite beverages—Moroccan mint tea and honeydew agua fresca. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Lemony Fruit Cooler
This punch looks so pretty with all the colorful fruit floating in the bowl. It has a refreshing taste and is easy to put together. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Frothy Festive Punch
If you're looking for something special for those holiday celebrations, this is your punch! The mixture of ice cream and fruit makes a refreshing, delicious treat that the kids will love. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Lemony Pineapple Iced Tea
I like to garnish this iced tea with some of our sweet Hawaiian pineapple. —Beverly Toomey, Honolulu, Hawaii
Cranberry Fizz
With just five basic ingredients, this wonderfully tangy punch couldn't be much simpler to stir together. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California
Cider Wassail
This traditional wassail recipe came from a dear friend in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we lived for many years. Since it's warm, wonderful and non-alcoholic, we've even served it at church. This wassail drink is also perfect for a holiday open house. —Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana
Rosemary Lemonade
A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Strawberry Watermelon Slush
We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
Blackberry Shrub
Making a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at a restaurant in California. They are as colorful and refreshing as summer drinks should be. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Peach-Basil Cooler
Mix peaches and basil with club soda for a cool and refreshing mocktail! —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
Cranberry Limeade
When cranberry and lime juice get together, the result is thirst-quenching. Add ice and you've got a party in a glass. —Michael Passow, Poughkeepsie, New York
Watermelon-Lime Cooler
When temps heat up, chill some glasses and cool down with a slushy blend of watermelon, lime and ginger ale. Slurp and repeat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Rainbow Spritzer
Layers of colorful fruit submerged in a fizzy, sweet beverage make this a kid-friendly sipper that gets two thumbs-up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Blackberry Lemonade
Here's a special drink that's perfect when blackberries are in season. It has a tangy, refreshing flavor. —Rich Murray, Nevada, Missouri
Rhubarb Citrus Punch
Rhubarb grows abundantly in our large farm garden. I'll make this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario
Mixed Berry Punch
Kids love this Kool-Aid tropical punch! It's a tasty way for them to quench their thirst after playing outside at a summer party. —Elizabeth LeBlanc, Bourg, Louisiana
Sparkling Peach Bellinis
Folks will savor the subtle kiss of peach flavor in this elegant brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Raspberry Refresher
This recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Citrus Punch
This zesty punch is a refreshing addition to my holiday table. I love its fruity flavor and the bright sunshiny color. You can easily double the recipe if you're expecting a larger group. —Dianne Conway, London, Ontario
Raspberry Iced Tea
One sip and you'll likely agree that this is the best flavored tea you've ever tasted. —Chris Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Red and Blue Berry Lemonade Slush
This delightfully sweet-tart beverage showcases fresh raspberries and blueberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Orange Juice Spritzer
Here's a zippy twist on regular orange juice. It is not too sweet and is refreshing with any breakfast or brunch entree. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea
I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Rhubarb Mint Tea
A bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-up. Raspberries deepen the tea's vibrant red color, making the drinks a pretty addition to your table. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Blueberry Lime Slush
My husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
Apricot Lemonade Iced Tea
Every special occasion deserves a refreshing beverage (and a lovely punch bowl). Our tea has a tangy flavor from lemonade, apricot nectar and mint. —Kay Chon, Sherwood, Arkansas
104 Year Old Lady Drinks Diet Coke
Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/diet-coke-key-to-longevity/#:~:text=Theresa%20Rowley%20of%20Grand%20Rapids,it%2C%E2%80%9D%20Rowley%20told%20WZZM.