ÔWHATÕS
HOT IN COOL SUMMERTIME DRINKSÕ
According
to more recent studies, Americans as a whole are swigging fewer calorie-laden
soft drinks and turning more to juice products that claim health benefits. As a
whole itÕs a good shift but be sure to read the labels or you may just be
replacing one high calorie drink for another.
Starting
at the top of the list in body thirst quenchers- water. Nothing, no sports
drink, tea, fruit juice smoothie or other beverage should replace water intake
especially during these hotter dry summer days. If you are still using tap
water, why not switch to bottled water? There is nothing like the pure taste of
unadulterated non-chemicalized water. Spruce it up with a spritz of lemon or
lime if you like.
Once
you have your water needs met, look for some of these drinks to sooth and
satisfy.
Fruit
juice smoothies- fruit juice blended
with yogurt or skim milk can be very satisfying. Why not make your own rather
than buying them in the store? Prepared store smoothies are not only expensive
watch out for those made with ice cream, corn syrup or peanut butter.-the
calorie count can go as high 300 calories per 6-8 ounce serving. To make a
smoothie blend ½ cup of low fat yogurt, skim milk, rice or soy milk with
your favorite fruits- one or several. If you freeze the fruit first it has that
wonderful creamy smooth soft texture and is very thirst quenching.
Energy
drinks can improve concentration,
reaction time and endurance. Those that contain vitamins amino acids and
non-stimulating herbs and no caffeine are best. Again watch out for high sugar
content. One might be better off to pass up the energy drink for a sports drink
that has vitamins and minerals and re-hydrates on a deep level.
Iced
teas are also wonderful thirst
busters. Stick with non-caffeinated green teas or other favorites or try an
herbal tea. Many herbal teas are naturally sweet without all the sugars and
give your body a vitamin and mineral boost.
Meal
replacement drinks like Slim-Fast,
Yoplait and SnappleÕs new line promise nourishing, low calorie options and work
to replace a meal and quench a thirst. However, they are higher in calories,
artificial colors and other unhealthy ingredients. These may leave you feeling
more thirsty in the end because the high protein content will kick in your
bodyÕs need for water. They are fine now and then, but are best not used on a
regular basis.
Fruit
juice drinks are usually too high in
sweeteners to be healthy or thirst quenching. Most are loaded with high
fructose corn syrups. Some exceptions are fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit
juice and 100% apple juice. Pay attention to portion size. A 4-6 ounce glass
daily is adequate.
The
very best and most complete thirst quencher? Water of course. Using water as
your basic drink will keep cells hydrated and your thirst at bay. Till next
time, Rebecca