It seems like our national obesity epidemic may be because of our drinking habits… aka soda, diet soda and yes, the ever popular alcoholic beverages. The average American drinks about 900 calories a day in liquid calories. Not only do these drinks cause weight gain but also lead to other health issues like type 2 diabetes. So what can you drink? The following are six drinks that can actually improve your overall health.
1. Water – Every function of your body needs water. Water helps kidneys filter waste products, helps your liver function properly, and helps keep the tissue in your body young (tissue dries out as you age). Water also prevents overeating.
2. Red Juices – Pomegranate and cherry juice have health promoting power. They speed up muscle recovery, reduce oxidative stress and prevent hardening of the arteries. A four-ounce serving of unsweetened juice is 80 calories.
3. Low-Fat Chocolate- This yummy drink has the perfect carb to protein ratio, making it a great post work out snack. According to the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, getting enough calcium seems to stifle the appetite and ward off overeating.
4. Tea- Green and black teas are great antioxidants. They fend off harmful free radicals to keep the blood vessels wide open. Three cups of green tea a day can stimulate the metabolic rate and burn fat up at a faster rate for up to 24 hours after drinking.
5. Soy Shakes- Since soy is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, it lowers risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Soy proteins mimic the actions of hormones that signal fullness and lead to weight loss. Consider adding soy protein or silken tofu to smoothies or shakes.
6. Coffee- A morning cup of joe may help you burn body fat at a steady rate. According to a study in the American Journal of Physiology, women got the greatest and longest fat-burning boost after they drank caffeinated coffee.
Try It!
Fill tall tumbler with ice and add: Pom juice-about one half full-dash of lemonade, fill rest of glass with sparkling water. Add mint or lemon slice and enjoy!
* Oxygen Feb 2011
