By Maryann Birmingham
What you drink is as important as what you eat. Many beverages contain added sugars and offer little or no nutrients. Some, like the ready to drink “healthy” smoothies may contain too much fat, added sugars and too many calories.
Here are a few tips to help you make better beverage choices:
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks when you’re thirsty. Regular soda, energy drinks, sport drinks and other sweet drinks contain a lot of added sugar, empty calories, and will provide you with more calories than you need. To maintain a healthy weight, sip water and other drinks with few or no calories.
- How much water is enough? Let your thirst be your guide. Water is an important nutrient for the body and everyone’s needs are different. Most of us get enough water from the foods we eat and the beverages we drink. Drink plenty of water if you are very active, live or work in hot conditions, or are an older adult.
- Water is usually easy on the wallet. You can save money by drinking water from the tap (filtered) at home and when out. It is a thrifty option. Water is always convenient. Fill a clean, reusable water bottle and toss it in your bag, briefcase or backpack to quench your thirst throughout the day. Reusable bottles are also green!
- When water just won’t do, enjoy the beverage of your choice, but just cut back on it. Remember to check the serving size and the number of servings in the can, bottle or container to stay within your calorie needs. Choose smaller cans, cups, or glasses instead of Supersized options.
Compare what you drink; Food-A-Pedia, an on-line feature available at ChooseMyPlate.gov/SuperTracker, can help you compare calories, added sugars and fats in your favorite beverages.
Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information.
Adapted from MyPlate.gov 10 tips Education Series
Maryann Birmingham is a Community Nutrition Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at 631-727-7850 ext. 356 or at mab422@cornell.edu.