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While drinking water is important for your overall well being, sometimes you just want to spice things up. However, beverages packed with sugar and additives are one of the main things that are keeping you from achieving your health goals. Sodas, coffee drinks, and alcoholic beverages are often full of empty calories. What beverages can you drink when you want variety but don’t want to disrupt your fitness and nutrition routines?
When it comes to cleaning up your nutrition, knowledge is power. “When talking about weight loss, it’s important to read ingredient panels. There are many beverages out there that tout they are healthy, but it stops at the branding,” says Phene Wardlaw, ISSA-CPT, founding partner of Unity Wellness. Some juices that are marketed as healthy have even more sugar than a can of Coke! “To aid in weight loss it is important to know the difference between natural and added sugars. Natural sugars, such as fruit, provide nutritional value, whereas added sugars are metabolized faster and do not contain any nutritional benefit.”
The more natural and unprocessed, the better. If a juice contains high amounts of sugar and calories, high fructose corn syrup, or synthetic coloring agents, it’s best to avoid it. Always look at the ingredients of a product before you buy it to know if it has nutritional value.
As far as swaps for juice, Wardlaw says to stick to products that have natural sugars and ingredients only. If you can, look for drinks that will kill two birds with one stone by offering a fitness boost. “I love beverages that offer benefits like muscle recovery or an immune boost,” she says, “For example, UNITY contains CBD and adaptogens that have many benefits for not just fitness and weight loss, but also general mental and physical health.” UNITY drinks contain the adaptogen Ashwagandha, which has been used for decades to aid in the weight loss process due to its ability to boost your immune system and redirect your energy levels to fat loss. Aside from that, if you’re looking for a soda or juice alternative, she also recommends Poppi. “While their products contain Apple Cider Vinegar, they taste incredible and are low in sugar content.” They come in a wide variety of flavors, and Apple Cider Vinegar has been shown to improve digestive health.
Of course, water is the ultimate beverage for staying hydrated and feeling your best, but sometimes we all need a little pick me up that’s out of the ordinary. Whatever your beverage of choice is, always read the labels and know the nutritional value is so you can be educated on what you’re putting into your body.
