For many people who are eating healthy, their beverages can be sabotaging their efforts to achieve the level of health and vibrancy they desire. Are you drinking empty calories that prevent you from losing weight? Are you putting toxic additives and chemicals into your body? Upgrading your beverage choices can be the key to taking your health and wellbeing to the next level.
I know that up until a few years ago, the only beverage I drank on a regular basis, was cups and cups of black tea with milk and sugar. No wonder I had so many health issues. I also didn't realize that what I was drinking was sabotaging my weight loss! My body was crying out for clean and healthy hydration. It wasn't always that way, because as a competitive athlete I only drank water, but stress and other factors made me forget how great water is to the body.
Is what you're drinking sabotaging your weight loss? Here are some tips to help you drink to your health:
- Instead of reaching for the coffee pot the moment you wake up, try a cup of warm water with fresh lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons). This invigorating beverage supports liver detox – with fewer toxins in the body, you have more energy. Moreover, coffee promotes blood sugar fluctuation and sugar cravings – both of which can send you on the spike and crash energy roller coaster.
- If you drink coffee throughout the day, you can transition yourself off caffeine more gradually with beverages that contain less caffeine instead of going cold turkey – Dandy Blend is a tasty coffee alternative - it tastes like coffee, but without the caffeine and has no acidity or bitterness. Black tea, green tea or white tea are other alternatives. Green tea and white tea, in particular, have much less caffeine and are rich in health-promoting antioxidants
- Sugar in soda can cause a lot of health issues. Diet soda is no better – artificial sweeteners are toxic to our body, causing many health problems including weight gain and low energy. Instead of sugary soda, try mixing sparkling mineral water with pure fruit juice – start with a 1:1 ratio and as you get used to the less-sweet taste, increase the amount of sparkling water. Eventually, you will feel satisfied with just a splash of juice or a squeeze of lemon.
- For those on the go, try having packets of green juice powder handy. They are great for boosting energy and provide a ton of antioxidants and micronutrients that are essential for vibrant health. I will be posting a product review of Genuine Health's greens + soon, along with a giveaway, so be sure to subscribe to my blog feed so you don't miss it!)
- In social occasions when you desire a drink or two, alternate your alcoholic beverage with water or sparkling water (add a twist of lime and it looks like a gin and tonic!) to help you reduce your alcohol intake while stay hydrated.
- Don’t forget water! Clean water is the most healthful beverage. Dehydration can cause headache, low energy, sugar cravings etc. Carry a water bottle with you and sip often.
I know that for me, if I haven't had my 8 glasses of water in a day, my body feels it. I notice my skin feeling dry, my lips chap, and my energy levels aren't as high.
What have you done to reduce your caffeine and soda, and increase your water intake?
