I Drink to Your Health!

I’ll bet you $1,000 bucks you don’t really think about the drink.  When you wake up in the morning and you roll, stiff lower backed, out of bed, are you thinking about your first beverage or are you thinking about how tired you are and how stiff your back is!  I hope no one reading this is dealing with plantar faciatis because I know from experience that that’s ALL you can think about!  (Please read my next post which is all about foam rolling and  getting rid of such pains)

Anyhoo, if you want the short list of what the 4 healthiest drinks are and why, here they are:

1. Pure, Filtered Water - Staying well hydrated is essential to optimal health and overall functioning. There’s a book called Your Body’s Many Cries for Water : Don’t Treat Thirst with Medications, that opened my eyes to the importance of water and the body’s need for hydration.  Sip water throughout the day, and in the warmer months, be sure to drink water before and after exercising to avoid dehydration.
2. Green Tea - My beverage of choice, green tea is a potent source of catechins – healthy antioxidants which can inhibit cancer cell activity and help boost immunity. After my morning cup of black coffee I’m all over green tea, hot or cold.
3. Cranberry Juice - Cranberries are a rich source of vitamin C and contain a substance that hinders the attachment of bacteria to bladder walls, which can help prevent urinary tract infections. Instead of cranberry juice cocktail, opt for unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate and dilute with water or sparkling water. Blueberry juice works as well.  Fantastic!
4. Red Wine – You’ve got to love these studies: The antioxidant activity of red wine has been linked to heart health benefits, reduced stress, and even preserving memory. If you enjoy an occasional drink, limit your intake to 1-2 glasses a day. If you don’t drink, don’t start – there are other ways to get antioxidants in your diet, including fresh whole fruits and vegetables.

So what do you think?  Can you replace some diet sodas and corn syrup juices for any of these 4 beverages?  Remember, our overall health doesn’t equate to just solid foods and exercise.  It is influenced grandly on our beverage choices.  I actually think that this is the best place to start.  Drink up!

In Health,

Polly Pitchford, your motivational speaker with a thirst for vitality!