Incorporate healthy beverages into your diet to improve your overall health and not hinder weight-control plans.
People have long been told by doctors and health experts that the foods they eat have a direct correlation to personal health. But the beverages individuals choose to drink could be equally as influential. Choosing the right beverages can fit with any nutritional plan.
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated that around 37 percent of an individual’s total daily liquid calories come from sugar-sweetened drinks. In addition, these sugar-sweetened drinks could be more likely to cause obesity than fatty foods.
Another health topic of interest lately is probiotics for promoting health. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that work in concert with the digestive tract to improve overall digestion and boost immune system function. Probiotics can help with a number of digestive ailments, including constipation, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux.
Also, research indicates that 70 percent of the immune system is located in the digestive tract, which means probiotics can benefit other parts of the body, too. The intestines are necessary for absorbing important vitamins and minerals and weeding out wastes. When they are not working properly, certain conditions may arise, such as vitamin deficiency, fatigue and susceptibility to illness.
But where to start? First, a person can take inventory of the types of beverages he or she drinks on a regular basis and make some easy switches.
Choose zero-calorie drinks.
Hot or cold, tea is calorie-free when consumed without added sugar or milk. Coffee can be this way, too, if you skip the cream and sugar. Of course, water is the go-to beverage of choice if a person wants to cut out liquid calories – but there are other options, too.
Zero-calorie, probiotic-enhancing beverages sweetened with all-natural Stevia leaf extract were recently announced at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif. The refreshing drinks are available in several flavors to appeal to any palate, including Pomegranate Blueberry, Cranberry Raspberry, Pomegranate Yumberry and Peach Mango. Furthermore, the drinks, from companies like PRE Beverage, contain all-natural prebiotics. These beverages can be a tasty addition to anyone’s diet and a viable alternative to calorie-laden drinks.
Ban the booze.
Alcoholic beverages may be the go-to drinks at parties and other social occasions, but they can pack on pounds quickly because of the calories. The average glass of wine contains between 110 to 120 calories.
Say so long to soda.
Sweetened sodas are a no-no, but even diet soda can ruin diet plans. Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners, which studies are starting to suggest lead to weight gain.
Switch to low-fat milk and dairy products.
While high-fat, high-calorie whole milk items may wreak havoc on waistlines and contribute to cholesterol levels, low-fat milk is the ideal way to receive essential vitamins and calcium. Plus, researchers at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville found that having three servings of low-fat dairy per day can lead to weight loss of 10 percent or more.
Monitor fruit juice consumption.
On the surface, fruit juices would seem to be healthy. But it’s better to eat whole fruit, because many fruit juices have more calories or even added sugar than an equal serving of whole fruit.
Boost tea drinking.
Tea contains antioxidants that can fight diseases and promote overall health. Tea may also rev up metabolism.
