Quench your Thirsty Thoughts!
It seems like every time you turn around there is a new drink in town. Whether it’s a new sports drink or fruit juice, top companies are concocting some of the worlds’ top diet busters. Unfortunately consumers are unaware of how quickly drinks can pack on the pounds. Drinking calories is not nearly as satisfying as eating calories so you take in more calories without becoming full!
Most drinks contain “empty calories.” In other words, they are void of minerals and/or nutrients. Sugary sodas and frappuccino drinks definitely subtract years from your life and add pounds to your waistline: not a healthy combination. Sports drinks and fruit juices are not any better and should be limited to athletes or an 8 oz glass a day, respectively.
Many parents of wary of giving kids drinks with artificial sweeteners. Studies show, however, that they are completely safe for kids. I give them to my own children with no hesitation.
Below are a list of drinks to try and drinks to avoid. Feel free to use the list to help you navigate the beverage world!
Try These Drinks
1. Smart Water or other bottled water
2. Vitamin Water Zero
3. Crystal Light
4. Unsweetened Iced Tea
5. Fuze Slenderize
6. G2
7. Seltzer, Flavored or Original
8. Flavored Water
9. Sparkling Water
Avoid These Drinks
1. Iced Tea, Any Type with Sugar
2. Energy Drinks (Red Bull, Rockstar, etc)
3. Coffee Drinks made with Whole Milk
4. Frappucino
5. Any type of regular soda
6. Fruit Punch
7. Lemonade
8. Gatorade, Powerade, Fuze, or any Sports Drink
9. Hot Chocolate
10. Vitamin Water
One important tip: Don’t forget to look at the serving size!
When looking for the perfect drink to quench your thirst, you must first look at the nutrition label and serving size. If there is a load of sugar per 8 oz glass (most bottles are 16 oz) than steer clear of that drink! Also, the frozen coffee drinks are loaded with whole milk, cream, and sugar; for a healthier alternative try making your own with skim milk, coffee, sugar substitute and low fat yogurt. Just remember that we don’t recommend coffee drinks (even decaf!) for kids.
When all else fails drink good old H2O! If it’s too plain for you, add fruit or lemon slices for extra healthy flavor and antioxidants!
