What's your beverage of choice?

 To maintain a healthy weight, what you drink is as important as what you eat.  Drink water instead of sugary drinks when you’re thirsty. Regular soda, energy or sports drinks, and other sweet drinks usually contain a lot of added sugar, which provides more calories than needed. Adults and children take in about 400 calories per day as beverages.

Maintain a healthy weight, sip water or other drinks with few or no calories. Manage your calories.  

Drink water with and between your meals—drinking water can help you manage your calories. Make water an easy option in your home. When water alone just won’t do try sparkling water, mineral water, club soda or seltzer water. Kick it up a notch with a  splash of cranberry juice cocktail or other juice.    

How much water is enough?   Let your thirst be your guide. Water is an important nutrient for the body, but everyone’s needs are different. Most of us get enough water from the foods we eat and the beverages we drink. A healthy body can balance water needs throughout the day. Drink plenty of water if you are very active, live or work in hot conditions, or are an older adult.    

When a sweeter beverage is a "must have" —enjoy your choice, but just cut back. Remember to check the serving size and the number of servings in the can, bottle, or container to stay within calorie needs. Select smaller cans, cups, or glasses instead of large or supersized options. check the facts   Use the Nutrition Facts label to choose beverages at the grocery store. The label contains information about total sugars, fats, and calories to help you make better choices.