You Are What You Drink

Drinking water is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Water helps your body regulate its temperature, lubricate and cushion joints, protect your internal organs, and get rid of waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movements. As if that wasn’t enough, it also helps you think clearly, moderate your mood, and keep your skin looking good.

Coffee, alcohol and sugary drinks are common parts of the American diet, but at what price? Each of these beverages, if consumed in moderation can be okay, but many people find that eliminating them helps them to have improved sleep, less anxiety, better absorption of nutrients, better balanced hormones, and even a healthier cardiovascular system.

These beverages often contain calories and other things we don’t need. Sweetened beverages including soda pop, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and the flavored coffees we grab on the way to work and sweet drinks we order when eating add empty calories we don’t need.

So what is the problem?? People who often drink sugary drinks are more likely to face health problems, such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cavities, and gout, a type of arthritis.

What can I drink that is good for me?

• Choose water - tap or unsweetened, bottled, or sparkling - over sugary drinks.

• Need more flavor? Add berries or slices of lime, lemon, or cucumber to water.

• Missing fizzy drinks? Add a splash of 100% juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.

• Need help breaking the habit? Don’t stock up on the beverages you are trying to eliminate. Instead, keep a jug or bottles of cold water in the fridge. Get a friend to partner with you in this important habit change. Check in daily. (you can contact me if you need me to be that friend!)

• Want more than water? Reach for drinks that contain important nutrients such as low fat milk or 100% fruit or vegetable juice first.

• At the coffee shop? Skip the flavored syrups or whipped cream. Ask for a drink with low fat or fat free milk, an unsweetened milk alternative such as soy or almond, or get back to basics with black coffee.

• At the store? This is the first line of defense in protecting you and your family. Make smart choices. Read the nutrition facts label to choose drinks that are low in calories, added sugars, and saturated fat.

• On the go? Carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.

• Want more ideas for healthy hydration? Shaklee has several healthy and delicious alternatives.

  • Shaklee 180 energizing teas provide an antioxidant-rich blend of green matcha, white, and red teas that provides a safe, natural energy boost. Four yummy flavors include peach, pomegranate, elderberry, and green. (I truly love this stuff!!)

  • Sustained Energy Boost gives you a boost of energy powered by caffeine from green coffee bean extract and green tea extract. Paired perfectly with chardonnay grape seed extract to support healthy circulation so you get the caffeine you need to keep you going.*†

  • Triple Defense Boost - not only is this full of immune supporting ingredients, it tastes delicious!!

  • Performance Pre-Workout Energy Drink and Performance Hydrate are excellent choices for athletes who want a healthy beverage to improve physical performance, delay muscle fatigue, reduce perceived exertion, and sharpen focus. (and you don't have to be an athlete - these are great for anyone - especially on hot days.)

Remember that you can be a role model for your friends and family by choosing water and other healthy, low-calorie beverages.

References: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/drinks.html

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/quitting-caffeine-benefits