These are different healthy drink options (besides water)
There is a wide variety of drinks on the market that can be healthy for you and can be compatible with your social life.
In a nation where celebrations center around food and drink, and in a summer where terraces become the epicenter of social life, choosing healthy drink options can seem like a daunting task.
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| Natural juices are a very positive option. |
Most of the options are packed with large amounts of sugar, calories, and often alcohol: smoothies, slushies, beers, cocktails, soft drinks... What alternatives do we have when we want to take care of our health amidst this feast of flavors and temptations?
Social gatherings multiply in the summer, and with them, the decisions related to our drinks. We often find ourselves faced with the common question: "What are you going to have?" We want to do it right, aware that a beer a day doesn't necessarily fit with a healthy lifestyle. So, are there options that allow us to enjoy our drinks without risking our health?
Coffee is a highly recommended option.
Iced coffee, for example, can be a good choice if you drink it without sugar or with a minimal amount. For coffee lovers, a touch of milk or an unsweetened plant-based beverage can add flavor without compromising your health.
Iced tea is another refreshing alternative. We're not talking about commercially available refreshing tea drinks, which are often loaded with sugar, but rather natural infusions made with ice. Some bars offer a variety of infusions beyond the classic options, providing opportunities to explore different flavors.
If you like bubbly drinks, sparkling water with lots of ice and a few lemon slices can be a healthy and refreshing choice. You can even ask for mint or spearmint leaves to be added for an extra touch of flavor.
Flavored waters and freshly squeezed juices
Flavored waters with fresh fruit and ice are generally healthier alternatives to sugary drinks. Natural tomato juice or a natural (not blended) fruit smoothie can be healthier occasional options than cocktails loaded with sugar and alcohol.
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| There Are Several Positive Options |
Natural kombuchas, made from fermented tea, aren't a miracle elixir, but they can be a lower-sugar alternative to conventional soft drinks.
"Sugar-Free" Soft Drinks: A Scam
Sugar-free soft drinks are a common choice when looking for healthy alternatives. While these soft drinks have less sugar and calories than their regular counterparts, they often contain artificial sweeteners that, while safe, aren't necessarily healthy. These sweeteners maintain the sweet taste of soft drinks, making it difficult to lower our sweetness threshold and perpetuating the desire for sweet foods and drinks.
Alcohol Is Not Recommended
Alcoholic beverages are often prominently featured on bar and terrace menus. However, it's essential to understand that the alcohol present in any drink can never be associated with health. Although some spirits have a lower alcohol or sugar content than others, there is no safe alcohol percentage. If you enjoy wine, beer, or a cocktail, do so occasionally for the pleasure of it, but never pretend to attribute any health-promoting qualities to them.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing healthy beverages for summer outings, plain water will always be the best option. However, there are refreshing and healthier alternatives, such as iced coffee or tea, sparkling water with lemon, fruit-flavored water, and natural juices, that can help us maintain the balance between enjoyment and taking care of our health. The key thing to remember is that, although we can allow ourselves an occasional treat, moderation is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Categories: Nutrition Tips