Rethink Your Drink!

Could it be the calories you are drinking that are preventing you from loosing weight?? For many, this may be the case. Here is some information and tips to help you make smarter beverage choices, to help you reach your weight loss and health goals!

The “Best to Avoid”  Beverages

The biggest calorie culprits are beverages like soda, juice with added sugar, sweetened tea, lemonade, sports drinks, energy drinks and whole milk. These beverages contain the most calories, and sugar per ounce and provide little to no nutrients. These beverages can also contribute to weight gain and other diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So, stay away!!

The “Occasional” Beverages

Better beverage options include diet sodas, diet iced teas, ½ cup (4oz) of 100% juice, low calorie sports drinks, and 1% milk. These drinks contain minimal to no calories or added sugar and may contain artificial sweeteners. These beverages will not contribute as many calories per ounce but should still be consumed in small portions.

The “Always Ok” Beverages!

The best beverages are water, seltzer water, and skim milk. These beverages are the healthiest because they provide little to no calories or sugar. Overall, water is the best option, it’s cheap and helps hydrate the body for overall health.

Easy ways to make smarter beverage choices:

1)                          Carry a reusable bottle of water around with you. Not only will it quench your thirst, but it’s inexpensive!

2)                          Avoid buying sugar sweetened beverages when at the grocery store. If it’s not around, you won’t drink it!

3)                          Serve water or skim milk with meals.

4)                          To make water more exciting add slices of lemon, limes, cucumber, or watermelon for some natural sweetness.

5)                          Add a splash of 100% juice to seltzer water.