Drinks To Avoid For Your Health
We have previously discussed four healthy drinks that you shouldn’t feel guilty about reaching for. Today, we look at four drinks that Dr. Weil says to avoid. Whether you are watching your weight or just want to eat healthier, taking a look at what you drink is key. Empty calories can lurk in all types of beverages – especially these:
- Coffee drinks with extras such as sugar, sweetened creamers, or flavored syrup. These deliver a concentrated dose of quick-absorbing carbohydrates and processed inflammatory fats that can promote weight gain. A better option is plain coffee with a splash of cream or unsweetened nut milk, or, better yet, enjoy antioxidant-rich green tea instead of coffee. Focus on steering your taste buds to the complexity and nuances of coffee or tea alone and you will grow to enjoy a low calorie beverage that has health benefits to you.
- Frothy summer cocktails. Whether it’s a margarita or a piña colada, sugary drinks pack a double dose of calories due to alcohol and sugar – some can top 800 calories in one drink! A better option is a glass of red wine (60-100 calories) or a light beer (about 100 calories). You can also consider a distilled spirit with club soda and lime.
- Soda. There just isn’t anything nutritious about soda, whether it’s diet or regular. If you’re a soda addict, breaking the habit is among the best moves you can make for your weight and your health. If flat tap water is not exciting enough, consider switching to sparkling water with a slice of citrus. Next best would be a stevia-sweetened soda to help gradually reduce the reliance on sweetness.
- All juice and partial juice drinks. Many, if not all of these products are no better than drinking soda. The best juices are fresh, not bottled, and made partially or wholly from vegetables rather than fruits. If you consume fruit juice, I recommend diluting it with purified or sparkling water to reduce the sugar content. Over time keep lowering the amount of juice to gradually cut back on unnecessary calories.
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