How to Pick Low Carb Beverages
Carbohydrates are important to maintain a properly functioning body, but they can also be a problem if we consume too many. Over doing carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and many health problems. Follow the steps below and you will be able to make wiser beverage choices.
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Instructions
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Low Carbohydrate Beverages
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It's important to keep our bodies hydrated throughout the day and the best beverage to accomplish this is water. Water has no calories, no carbohydrates, no sodium, and is the best thing we can do for ourselves health wise. There have been studies that suggest our tap water is less than perfect in some areas because tests have shown traces of certain drugs and impurities. If you like your tap water but are concerned check with your city to get a copy of your water report. You may want to use a filter directly on your tap. You can also get a water filter system that you can have in a pitcher filled with drinking water. Another option is to get a water cooler for your home and have the water delivered, or you can opt to buy bottled water. it's been recommended that you drink 8 or more glasses a day for proper health.
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Soda is a very popular drink. It satisfies our sweet cravings and the added carbonation seems to "hit the spot" when our throats are dry. Soda is high in carbs however so a better choice is a diet soda. Several soda companies now also offer "zero" types of their most popular flavors. The zero soda has virtually nothing in it as far as nutrients, however keep in mind that too much soda especially cola can be irritating to your stomach. The other problem with soda that contains artificial sweeteners is that your body is expecting the calories and carbs when you drink it and when it doesn't get those it makes you continue to crave leaving you unsatisfied and tempted to consume other things to make up for it. The best advice is save soda for a once in awhile treat.
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Most people and children like to drink some juice each day. There are many brands of juice so you need to read food labels carefully. Most juices contain high carbs and calories so if you want to drink juice choose those that are unsweetened. Take care also that you are buying 100% juice and not just juice flavoring in a sugary drink. Limit your juice portion to a 4 oz. to 6 oz glass and have it for breakfast or a between meal snack. Tomato juice and vegetable juice are lower in carbs and sugars and are very healthy choices.
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Coffee and tea are great choices for low carb drinking. They both contain caffeine so a better choice would be a naturally decaffeinated type. The other problem with tea and coffee is that having them with meals inhibit iron absorption. Avoid fast food type coffee stores as you might be tempted to get combinations with lattes and cappucinos that would be extremely carb and calorie rich. Milk is a good choice for those who like it and can tolerate it. It's not that high in carbs but drinking too much can add substantial calories.
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Most alcoholic drinks have no carbohydrates, even beer has only about 13 grams of carbs per serving. Alcohol when used in excess presents it's own set of problems though so if you are going to drink do it in moderation.
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Tips & Warnings
Sip only water during meals.
Drink alcohol in moderation or just for special occasions.
Pay attention to food labels when shopping.
Shakes and smoothies may sometimes sound healthy but can be loaded with extra carbs and calories.
Resources
- Photo Credit Alcohol by Thomas Hawk, Tea by Claudia Assad, Soda by Ryan Bayne, Juice by G. M. B., Water by Muhammad Ahmed , Beverages by Sean
