Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Drink This, Not That!

By Jermaic Honsher

As people become more concerned about healthy food choices, healthy drinks should be viewed as equally important. The next time you need to quench your thirst, reach for these healthy options:

Water. Your body needs to stay well-hydrated in order to function normally. Drinking water helps regulate your body temperature, so it is very important to drink water during exercise. Your body loses water through your breathing and by sweating while you exercise. Dehydration slows down your body's metabolism and impedes healing. Water promotes the circulation of blood and vital fluids within our bodies. Water also revitalizes, detoxifies, and oxygenates the skin. There is simply no substitute for water and everyone should drink at least 8 glasses every day.

Cranberry juice. These tart red berries are packed with vitamin C and contain a component that stops bacteria from attaching to bladder walls, which prevents painful urinary tract infections. Choose cranberry juice that is 100% juice with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Cranberry juice also contains a healthy dose of fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients that help protect you against heart disease and cancer.

Green tea. The health benefits of green tea are seemingly endless. Green tea is not only a major source of antioxidants, but it can also help reduce the over-production of harmful enzymes in your body that may eventually lead to cancer. Forget your morning cup of coffee and enjoy a relaxing cup of green tea instead. Naturally occurring compounds in green tea are responsible for regulating blood sugar levels by promoting glucose metabolism, blocking glucose absorption and increasing insulin activity.

The following sugary, calorie packed drinks are very popular, but. They are also some of the unhealthiest drinks available.

Fancy coffee drinks. The traditional cup of coffee has had quite a make-over, and not in a healthy way. In addition to the huge dose of caffeine, fancy coffee drinks are laden with fat and calories from extras such as whipped cream, flavored syrups, chocolate sprinkles, even candy pieces.

Summer cocktails. Summer parties and picnics are not complete without a festive cocktail or two. But beware: these colorful, cheerful drinks pack quite a few calories. Pina coladas, margaritas, and daiquiris are drowning in calories, and that is even before the liquor is added.

Smoothies. Smoothies are often promoted as a popular health food, but many smoothies have added fat and calories that make them a very unwise choice. Stay away from smoothies that feature sugary fruit juices, full-fat dairy products, syrups, and artificial flavorings that can pack on the pounds. - 17273

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