Fat Loss 4 Idiots Opinion

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Choosing Healthy Drinks

By Jermaic Honsher

Many people are starting to make healthy meal choices, including healthier drink options. A healthy beverage should revitalize and refresh your body without adding unwanted fat or calories.

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 colorful red berries are loaded with vitamin C and studies show that an ingredient in cranberries prevents bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder, preventing bladder and urinary tract infections. The powerful antioxidants in cranberry juice helps get rid of free radicals and reduces inflammation. Drinking a glass of cranberry juice each day will also help lower your cholesterol. Stick to 100% cranberry juice and avoid cranberry juice cocktails, which have added sugar.

Green tea. Well known for its wealth of antioxidants, green tea can also block the over-production of harmful enzymes in your body that act as precursors to cancer. Replace your morning cup of coffee with a steaming cup of antioxidant-rich green tea instead. Natural compounds in green tea have been found to help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin activity, promoting glucose metabolism and blocking glucose absorption.

These drinks may be disguised as healthy and look appetizing, but they are loaded with extra sugar and fat and should be avoided at all costs.

Fancy coffee drinks. Your local coffee shop may try to entice you with a tasty caffeinated treat that features full-fat dairy products, chocolate, sugary syrups, artificial colors and flavors. These drinks often have as many calories and fat as a fast food meal.

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. Don't be lured by the health claims made by some smoothie makers. Many smoothies claim to be healthy but the added fat and calories tell a very different story. Sugary juices, full-fat dairy products, and other extras make this drink a high calorie mistake. - 17269

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