You already know you should Drink water. Probably more water than you are currently drinking. And yes, you read that green tea is healthy. Coffee to a degree as well. But which drinks are on the “Must Avoid” list? Here are the top three.
- Soda. Be it regular, diet or anything else you can come up with, soda is an extremely unhealthy substance. Start with the sugar (or sugar substitutes). They are major contributors to diabetes, obesity and other endocrine based problems. Secondly, the sugar and carbonation contribute to the weakening of the skeletal system and teeth. In short, carbonation leeches calcium from teeth and bones. What is an alternative? More like what is NOT an alternative.
- “Fake” juices. Get used to reading labels. Know the basics at the very least. (In my online school – Dr. Orman’s Wellness School – we go into a mini-course on How to Read Labels. Click here for more info.) A lot of juices are in fact, not juice, but what I call “Fake Juice;” that is, somewhere on the label, you will see the phrase, “. . . contains 10% [or some other percentage] fruit juice.” Translation: 90% of this drink is something other than juice. Look a little closer and you will see “added sweeteners” and other such phrases with add up to a lot of unhealthy, unwanted calories. In short, they are flavored, sweetened water, NOT juice.
- “Starbucks” drinks. I use this term to include about 80% of the menu of places like Starbucks. You know, the triple mocha caramel frappuccino or something along these lines. They are typically around the 500 calorie mark, loaded with fat and sugar and are major contributors to obesity, adrenal insufficiency, thyroid problems, heart issues, diabetes and other issues. Go with organic coffee. Add stevia and some creamer if you wish. It hits the spot and provides benefits to you as well.
There are more but these are the top three AVOID drinks.
Off the record, once in a while is not an issue. It is when once in a while becomes a regular habit that problems begin to show.
Be a Wellness Warrior. Have the discipline to eat and drink healthy most of the time AND the lightheartedness to enjoy things now and again too.
