As the weather gets warmer, finding refreshing drinks become a must!
You know that water is healthiest for you, but it may get a little boring sometimes. Maybe you love juice or are tempted by a diet drink.
Diet drinks have been around for years! It seems to offer a good alternative for those who are watching their caloric consumption or just want less sugar in their diet. But are they really as healthy as it sounds? Or is there more to the chemicals used in place of the sugar than may meet the eye? The answer is Yes!
Do Artificial Sweeteners Work?
According to research done by Brooke Alpert, RD and author of The Sugar Detox, "the artificial sweeteners can have a more intense flavor than real sugar, so over time products like diet soda dull our sense to naturally sweet foods like fruit. Even more troubling, these sugar stand-ins have been shown to have the same effect on your body as sugar. They can trigger insulin which sends your body into fat storage mode and leads to weight gain."
Let me say repeat that last part.... "and leads to weight gain." Say What?! That's right. Most likely if you are trying to lose weight and are drinking diet drinks, you may be having a hard time getting the weight off or keeping it off!
Also a study done back in 2009 of over 3,000 women found a link between diet drinks and kidney problems.
Researchers found that women who drank two or more diet pop/sodas a day had as much as a 30% decrease in kidney function.
Are There Safe Alternatives?
While water is always the best solution for hydrating your body, sometimes it can be nice to have something a little sweet or bubbly. I know that diet pop/soda offers that kick of caffeine that may be needed for the morning or afternoon pick me up but you may see that by hydrating your body with proper food and liquids, that your need for that caffeine fix will diminish.
What options are available that can be safe and delicious?
To give you multiple options, I've put together a list of drink ideas and substitutions! Remember that these healthier options help support healthy metabolism, energy, mood and more!! Things such as a few slices of fresh fruit mixed with a few drops of essential oils can be fun and refreshing! What is your favorite combination for a healthy drink substitute?
Stay hydrated and feel free to post on our Facebook page or below in the comments, your favorite Essential Oil twist on water or other healthier alternative recipe blend! I would love to hear your ideas!
Have a great week!
xoxo
April
P.S. Join me LIVE on Facebook- everyday in June at 9am Eastern. If you can't catch me LIVE, the recordings will be posted there, so click on the link above to join in on the 30 Days of Coffee Connections with April. Successful tips on how to live your live full of Purpose, Passion and Persistence! (with the emotional benefits of essential oils tucked in too).
P.S.S.Wanting to make that positive step towards a healthier you but don't know where to start? Email me: april@yourvibrantessence.com and I will help guide you in that direction!
