The Elixir of Life

Sweet drinks can be delicious.  When thirst hits, reaching for that big glass of juice or soda seems enticing but we all know it is not the healthy choice. Take it from someone who enjoyed their fair share of sugary beverages, there is an equally tasty alternative out there! WATER....with some flava ;)  

Just to put things in perspective;

1 -  8oz glass (1 cup) of grape juice is

• 170 calories (¹/₂₀  of a pound)
• 42 grams of carbs of which 40 grams are sugar (2 ²/₃  tablespoons)  

This is also similar to other fruit drinks and sodas.  If you were to cut a single drink out of your diet each day (and not replace it with something equally sweet!), you would lose 1 pound in 20 days. You would also spare your body from 53.2 tablespoons (3.3 cups) of "cell-oxidizing" sugar in the same amount of time!

That's a lot of sugar!!!!

Even low calorie drinks like diet soda or low-calorie sports drinks have dyes and additives that take your body longer to digest and could have other lasting negative effects on your body systems (there are no lack of google articles arguing these claims!).

If you are one of those people who enjoy your sweet drinks, try to grab a glass of water instead. I know this can be difficult at first but slice up some limes, lemons, cucumbers and peppermint leaves or whatever tickles your taste buds and mix it all in to create a flavor explosion. It may not be sweet but it will sure be tasty!  My lastest favorite has been lime water....it's so refreshing!!!!

Try to drink at least 8 - 8oz glasses of water a day.  I know this can happen...

....but I promise, it's worth it! And if you didn't know all of the benefits, here is a list that can be found at benefits-of-drinking-water:

1. Lose weight
2. Natural Remedy for Headache
3. Look Younger with Healthier Skin
4. Better Productivity at Work
5. Better Exercise
6. Helps in Digestion and Constipation
7. Less Cramps and Sprains
8. Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy
9. Relieves Fatigue
10. Good Mood
11. Reduce the Risk of Cancer

As I said in a previous post, I am very grateful that I have clean water for so many reasons! Now, add some of nature's skittles and you will be surprised how tasty it can be ;)