Thursday, September 27, 2012

Drink To Your Health – Don’t Sip Sugar



     Many of us, myself included, enjoy beverages that have hidden calories which can add to our waist lines and our list of health concerns.  Diet drinks are not an alternative.  Read my blog dated July 19th to find out how they really end up hurting your health and actually contribute to the growth of your waistline. Everyone needs to stay hydrated for beautiful skin and a healthy body.  I recently designed some alternatives and I would like to share them with you.

Iced Tea with a sprig of fresh mint, raspberries, blueberries, an orange slice, a lemon or lime wedge can be quite refreshing.  For sweet tea add Stevia or honey to taste.

Homemade Lemonade made with a fraction of the amount of sugar.  If you need more sweetness add a packet or two of Stevia or maybe some honey.

Spa Water can be made ahead in a pitcher like iced tea and lemonade.  Add to tap water any of these in any combination to fit you taste:
slices of cucumber, lemon, lime, strawberries, raspberries, mint
This water keeps you hydrated, delivers antioxidants for anti-aging and health benefits and can reduce water retention.

Sparkling Water with a twist of lemon or lime is great in the late afternoon.

Cocktail time can include wine since a 6oz glass or ¾ of a cup is only 150 calories.  Wine contains antioxidants so they contribute to good health but don’t have too many glasses.  The tough part is only having (1) glass!  That’s when your spa water or sparkling water comes in handy.

Avoid sodas and the ever popular coffee drinks!  They are full of sugar and nothing nutritious for your body so they are aging you and can contribute to health concerns.  Don’t get me wrong, coffee has its health benefits but when you add lots of sugary flavorings and chocolate it can get out of control sugar-wise in a hurry.  Coffee also tends to be dehydrating which isn’t good for your skin.  You want to have moist supple skin for that youthful glow.

Health Tip:  Mystery Ingredients
Always read the labels of pre-made drinks to see what you are putting in your body.  Think about it,  if you CANNOT pronounce an ingredient, do you really want to drink it?

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