Choose Water
Break the sugar habit by making healthier choices, and becoming more physically active.
Trying to change your habits is not easy, here are six alternatives to soda and other sugary beverages.
1. Flavored Waters
Flavored waters are widely available, but can be loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Try making your own flavored water by adding natural flavoring. Slice up your favorite fruits and veggies and add them to a picture of ice cold water. If you don't like the idea of fruits and veggies free floating in your water, try a water infuser.
Lemons, oranges, watermelon, cucumber, limes, strawberries, kiwi, mint, basil and lemon balm are all great additions to ice cold water.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is a wonderful healthy alternative to sugary beverages. You can purchase many flavors that can be served hot or iced. If you need it to be a little sweeter, add a few drops of honey. Most people like it just the way it is.
3. Juice and Seltzer Water
If you need some fizz in your drink try mixing 100% juice with seltzer water. You can use one part juice to four parts seltzer and get the bubbles you crave without the added calories. Apple, cranberry, or grape juice will work perfectly.
4. Try Drinking your Vegetables
Vegetable juice offers a quick, low-calorie way to get all the benefits of veggies. It contains much less natural sugar than fruit juices. Some vegetable juices can be high in sodium, so opt for a low-sodium version whenever possible. Some vegetable juices contain high fructose corn syrup, so be sure to read the label. Better yet, make your own fresh juice easily at home with a juicer or blender. Simply add your favorite veggies, and even a few slices of fruit if you want to sweeten your drink, to the juicer or blender -- no chopping required! If you prefer a little spice, add some black pepper and a drop of hot sauce
5. Fresh Brewed Iced Tea
Skip the iced tea mix. Skip the pre-made expensive bottle. Try brewing your own iced tea. A few drops of honey and your favorite fruit are great alternatives to sugar. If you choose to sweeten it with sugar, remember you can always add but you can't take away. Add small amounts of sugar while your brewed tea is still warm, and taste as you go. A little sugar in your freshly brewed iced tea, is far better than settling for a powdered mix or a pre-made bottle.
6. Coffee
If it's caffeine that you crave, a good alternative to a caffinated soda is coffee. Before you add to your brew or order a drink from your favorite coffee shop, think about what you are adding to it. Drinking it black is the best low calorie alternative. If just can't bring yourself to drink black coffee, try using low fat, skim, or even coconut milk instead of creamer or half and half. Low fat, skim and coconut milk are a little sweeter than creamer or half and half. If it's still too bitter for your taste try adding cinnamon or a couple drops of vanilla or almond extract.
The best alternative to soda and other sugary beverages is always a nice tall glass of WATER.
There are many opportunities to be physically active in Cattaragus County.
Click here to learn more about physical activity opportunities in Cattaraugus County. Learn more about places to go:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boarding
- Fishing
- Bowling
- Geocaching
- Golfing
- Horseback Riding
- Roller Skating
- Roller Blading
- Snow Tubing
- Snowboarding
- Down Hill Skiing
- Snow Shoeing
and many others....
Changing your habits can be a challenge. Dropping one bad habit, and adding a little physical activity to your daily routine can help you to take small steps to leading a healthier lifestyle. Just remember to stick with it. You'll feel better, look better, and have more energy. Good luck!
5/30/2017
