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| Tuesday, October 14, 2008 |
| You Are What You Eat…and Drink! |
I meet so many people who pay attention to everything they eat, but then drink whatever they want. There are so many designer drinks to choose from these days that bottled water now seems boring. Americans drink juice, soda, milk, teas, energy drinks and even enhanced water. There are also milk shakes, cappuccinos and smoothies to choose from. Most of these drinks are loaded with calories, but light on nutrients. Since our bodies evolved getting all of our calories from food and only drinking water, it may not really notice all of the calories from drinks, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. So while you are eating healthy and exercising, your drinking habits may be sabotaging your efforts at good health.
Our bodies evolved drinking only water and getting all of our calories from food. That may be one reason that “You are what you drink” is so important to remember. Every time I go to a restaurant I notice they offer endless refills of sodas and teas, which people often mindlessly drink. People usually don’t realize how much they’re actually drinking and enjoy it so much because they think it’s free! Don’t be afraid to ask for water at a restaurant. Most restaurants, even fast food ones, offer bottled water and tap water. Speaking of water, go slow on the vitamin waters and enhanced waters. They may contain nutrients, but also often contain calories. Since they are marketed as water, people tend to drink them all day in place of regular water.
Speaking of marketing, be very careful what your children are drinking. There are so many commercials for sugary drinks and sodas that children are bombarded with these images. Many researchers believe that all of these high calorie drinks are partly responsible for the increased rate of obesity in children. Talk to them about the negative effects of drinking too much juice and soda to give them the power to make an informed decision.
Don’t be dismayed, there are some drinks that you and your family can drink. Of course the best answer to the question “What would you like to drink?” is water, but there are other options. Try a glass of 1% milk or 100% juice diluted with water or even vegetable juice. Try to limit sugar free drinks with artificial sweeteners as they have been linked with health problems. Don’t forget about limiting alcohol intake because it contains many empty calories which can contribute to weight gain.
So remember, “You are what you eat…and DRINK”. Choose wisely and bottoms up!
- Jennifer
Labels: healthy eating, Jennifer, Mindful Eating
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posted by The Sensei Team @ Tuesday, October 14, 2008   |
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