Whilst many people get hung up on what they eat to keep healthy, many forget that what they drink also matters. A little bit of know how and research can ensure you make the healthy liquid choices that will make you feel and look great.
Water
No matter how many times we say this, there is nothing better for quenching your thirst and promoting good health than drinking water. It is calorie and sugar free, it helps keep you hydrated and all of your organs working well. Drink it cold with ice, add orange or ginger for a natural zing or boil it and enjoy with fruit tea or a slice of lemon.
You might be tempted by flavoured water but check the labels as many hide hidden sugars and preservatives.
Fizzy drinks and squash
We all grew up with these but today we are more aware than ever that fizzy drinks, squashes and juice drinks come laden with sugar. It is best to avoid them whenever you can and not only will this cut down your calories intake but also keep your teeth and skin healthier.
Milk
There is no denying that milk is a fantastic source of calcium and helps keep bones healthy. It is also full of protein but no sugar – bonus. The healthier choice when it comes to milk for adults is to go for semi-skimmed, 1% fat or skimmed varieties.
Beware of milkshakes, hot chocolate, condensed milk and milk-based energy drinks as they are stacked with sugar and nasties that won’t nourish you at all.
Tea and coffee
Drinking tea and coffee is fine as part of a balanced diet but don’t over do it. They both contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can make us feel more alert depending on how much you consume.
It is pretty easy to reduce your caffeine intake by switching to low-caffeine options, fruit or herbal teas or just having a few extra glasses of water a day.
Beware of adding sugar, flavoured syrups and artificial sweeteners to you hot beverages as they aren’t great for your teeth, body or waistline. If you can, go without and if you reduce little by little and acclimatise, you won’t even notice the change in taste.
Juices and smoothies
Over the past couple of years fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies have become increasingly popular and ‘trendy’. You can make them at home, enjoy them in cafes and buy them in supermarkets, but how good are they for you?
Well, a small glass of fruit juice counts as one of your recommended five a day but it doesn’t contain the fibre you will find in whole fruits and vegetables and still comes full of sugar, even if it is the natural type.
If you are going for a smoothie, especially when making in your own kitchen, aim for the green types that are full of vegetables and a piece or two of fruit so you aren’t putting your teeth at risk. Include them as part of a balanced, healthy diet but don’t get into the habit of using them to replace meals.
Energy and sports drinks
These might seem like a good idea, especially if you are tired but the high levels of caffeine, sugar and calories won’t do you many favours. Many come with a significant serving of sugar and are high in calories making water the healthier choice once again.
Alcohol
Recently safe alcohol limits have been reassessed and the UK’s chief medical officers now recommend that both men and women drink no more than 14 units a week. That is equivalent to six pints of beer or seven glasses of wine. Pregnant women are advised not to drink alcohol at all. These are guidelines but be beware that alcohol is void of any goodness, full of sugar and empty calories and linked to illness.
So, before you raise a glass, cup or mug to your lips just think about what you are drinking and how it will make you feel.