Plenty people know it's suggested to take in 8 glasses of water a day, But many Americans find themselves filling up on sugary alternatives. Gainesville resident Steven Lee says that when deciding on his fast food beverage, the choice is simple.

"I'm filling it up with pretty much lemonade or just tea or something."

What customers are saving in money for their soft drinks, they may be paying with their health. Fitness Director at Gainesville Health and Fitness Center, Karen Coley-Cannon says that even though soft drinks taste good, they can be dangerous in excess.

"Because it drops your your sugar level it makes you feel good right now but then it's gonna drop it and then you're gonna feel more dehydrated."

The large drinks typically available at fast food restaurants average between 5 and 6 hundred calories. Not to mention the sugar content which can be between 120 and 140 grams. Chris Gilmore TV20 News.