Picture this – you’re standing in front of a fridge full of drinks and feel instantly overwhelmed by the options available to quench your thirst – water, juice, soda, iced tea. The choices are endless, and seemingly harmless, but what will you choose? Since 2018 the California Department of Public Health has chosen to help you “Rethink Your Drink” and pick the healthiest option through an annual, informational public health campaign. By sharing facts and information about beverages, the goal is to help you make more informed choices for the drinks you consume.
Why is Rethink Your Drink in September?
As children, families and college students return to school, it’s easy in the hustle and bustle to grab the quickest, and often cheapest, options off the shelf. Throughout September organizations in the community, including Center for Healthy Communities, plan activities to educate Californians of all ages about the health risks of sugar-sweetened beverages and promote healthier drink choices. Furthermore, excess consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to tooth decay, heart disease, and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Given the fact that sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet, and that over-consumption of sugary drinks can lead to adverse health issues, this month serves as a reminder that we have the power to literally take our health into our own hands by reaching for the better drink.
“How can I tell if my drink is ‘the healthy option?’”
If you’re curious about the drinks you are consuming, start by looking at their nutrition labels. How many calories are in your beverage? How much sugar is in each serving? While some beverages have natural sugars, many also include added sugars to increase the flavor. By looking at the label, you will know how much added sugar is in your drink.
To make it easy, give this Beverage Breakdown Tool a try, and find out how much added sugar you drink each day.
Rethink Your Drink: “What should I drink?”
Best of all, if it’s water, it doesn’t usually come attached to a label you need to read! Before you reach for that sugar-sweetened beverage, “Rethink Your Drink” and try some fruit infused or herbal water. Water is always the healthiest option as it does not have calories or added sugar. And before you say “it’s too boring,” try mixing cucumber and mint, or rosemary and lemons in your water for a refreshing drink. You can even buy water bottles now designed to infuse your drink with natural fruit like berries, cantaloupe or watermelon, adding further taste and hydration to your drink.
Milk is another healthy option. Milk provides your body with vitamin D and calcium, which help protect your heart and bones. Unless you choose to add flavor to your milk, it typically does not have any added sugars. Given that it comes with a label, be sure to review your options before selecting which brand of milk to buy.
If you’re on the go and at the coffee shop, reconsider those added syrups and whipped cream. One consumer was shocked to find that her frothy, fun morning coffee treat was adding obscene amounts of sugar and calories to her daily intake, along with the caffeine boost. By opting for natural teas, milk alternatives and spices like cinnamon she could easily change her habits to something healthier.
Final Thoughts
At every age, what you drink can be as crucial to your health as what you eat. When deciding what to drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Even limiting your intake by cutting back can begin to make a meaningful difference for your health. Pay attention to food labels, compare drinks before deciding and even reconsider your actual thirst-level before committing to soda, you can empower yourself to make wise choices for your health and future.
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