HEALTH TIP #38:

Summer refreshments

Quenching your thirst with iced cappuccinos, ice tea, some vitamin water, fruit cocktails and soda pops is not the best nutritional choices. Some of these beverages contain as much as 250-350 calories and are packed full of sugar. For example, a Starbucks Grande non-fat caramel Frappuccino (without whip cream) has 280 calories and Tim Horton’s original Ice Capp has 310 calories. These types of drinks should be consumed more as a treat and not on a regular basis.

Be careful with alcohol cocktails as they can also contain a lot of sugar and calories. It’s important to remember that alcohol will dehydrate you rather than hydrate you.

Here are better options to help quench your thirst without packing on the calories:

•     Water is always the best choice as it is free of calories, sugar and additives.
•       Lemon or lime flavored mineral water without sugar – to be consumed in moderation as they can contain sodium.
•        Water with crystal light is a good option as it is sweetened with a sugar substitute. (not sure if we should
•      Chilled fruit flavored herbal tea is a great substitute for ice tea.
•     Milk (1% or skim) – even if it contains calories, it also has contains vitamins and minerals as well as protein that will keep you full 
•       As a treat, a homemade ice coffee is a better option as you can control what you put in it. Start with a strong coffee; add skim milk, a small amount of 1% chocolate milk and lots of ice. Enjoy!

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