How to Choose Healthy Beverages – Drink Up!

Created by: Kristen Carli, Dietetic Intern

If you’re trying to follow a specific nutrition plan or eat a healthy diet, don’t forget about choosing healthy beverages to go along with the nutritious food you’re eating. After all, what you drink throughout the day can add significant calories, sugars, and other unwanted things to your diet. Let’s take a look at how to include healthy drinks on a daily basis.

Healthy Beverages 101: Water is Best!

When you think about healthy beverages, water should come to find first. Soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, and other sugar-sweetened beverages contain added sugars and calories. Adults on average consume about 400 extra calories per day from beverages. Replace most, if not all, sugary drinks with water. 

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are active or work in hot conditions. Let your thirst be your guide to indicate how much water you should be drinking. 

Water is not only the healthiest option, it is also the most affordable option too. Save money by choosing water when out or at home. Bring a reusable water bottle with you when on the go for convenience.

Keep Stocked Up on Healthy Beverages

Only keep healthy beverages inside your home. This will help you decrease your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Stock up on 100% juice, coconut water, coffee, unsweetened tea, or low-fat dairy to have healthy options at home.

Otherwise, Check the Nutrition Facts

If unsure, check the nutrition facts label on the beverage. Avoid added sugars, saturated fat, sodium and too many calories.

Material adapted from choosemyplate.gov