First things first: Don't be tempted by sugary drinks. Coke, soda and iced tea are to a healthy lifestyle what trash TV is to your brain. Next time you have a Coke in your hand, remember: there's more than three times the recommended amount of sugar in a single can. (So treat yourself to a bag of gummy bears instead).
Calorie-free soft drinks seem like a great solution at first, but unfortunately they are no better. Sure, they have no calories, but they contain sweeteners that can be addictive and are not exactly healthy. If you need a caffeine kick, drink a good coffee or tea instead.
Milk, milkshakes, lassis, fruit juices, you name it - they all often contain a lot of sugar (and/or fat) and are not an ideal choice for your hydration. Think of them more like a snack.
Smoothies are delicious and healthy, but they also contain a lot of calories. So the same applies as for juices and anything with milk - they fall into the category of eating instead of drinking.
Alcoholic drinks are fun, but they dehydrate your body. If you drink alcohol, you need to drink more water to make up for the fluid loss. Remember, your body needs half a liter of water just to process one glass of whisky. Crazy, right?
So what are the healthy drinks?
Unsweetened herbal and fruit teas are not only delicious, but also healthy. Why not experiment with different flavors and find out what you like?
Water! Water is the best choice for your hydration. Tap water is not only cheap, but also environmentally friendly and safe. In Germany and many EU countries, it is regularly tested for harmful substances.
Coffee and black tea are wonderful in moderation. Make sure you don't drink more than three to four cups a day so as not to overload your cardiovascular system.
A juice spritzer is also totally ok for sports. Mix one part juice with three parts water for high hydration and low sugar. (If you're on the Schwarzenegger regime, you may need a protein shake afterwards).
And here's our Happy Hydration tip: If you want to spice up your tea or water, simply add some fruit or herbs and let everything steep briefly. Or even better: mix your water with your favorite OH LA LAQUA Natural Waterfusion - and let the magic happen.
