3 Unhealthy Drinks and What to Replace Them With

With the growing cases of diabetes, obesity and other health complications, millions of people are looking for ways to improve their health without the time, money and investment in complicated diets and gym memberships. As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Providing your body healthy amounts of essential vitamins and minerals will promote your body's health. This includes decreasing unhealthy drinks and replacing them with high quality fluids. Here are some simple facts about the three most unhealthy drinks and how you can raise your glass to a healthier you!

Unhealthy Drinks

1. Soda and other caffeinated beverages

Soda is notoriously known for its unhealthy qualities. Loaded with caffeine and sugar, increased consumption can lead to mild addictions, bad teeth and in a worst-case scenario, diabetes from the amount of sugar. Instead of hydrating the body, soda dehydrates the body, which can lead to other health problems. Another caffeinated beverage to avoid is “the energy drink.” Drinks like Red Bull or Rockstar have an insane amount of caffeine and sugar, posing a higher health risk than your average soda. Some studies report cardiovascular abnormalities similar to patients suffering from cardiovascular disease an hour after drinking energy drinks.

One of the healthiest drinks you can drink is water. Health studies suggest adults to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Since the human body is comprised of a high percentage of water, it makes sense to drink water! Keeping yourself hydrated promotes optimal body health on a cellular level. Additionally, studies have shown that drinking water also helps to reduce unnecessary levels of stress and promotes healthy mentality and emotional states.

If you are going to go with energy drinks however, stick to the more natural ones like FRS and Monavie, where the main ingredients are more natural compared to those of Red Bull and Monster.

2. Alcoholic beverages

Much like soda, alcoholic beverages like beer have no nutritional benefits. In addition to dehydrating the body, over consumption of alcoholic beverages can greatly impede motor skills and rational thinking, not to mention the dreaded “beer belly.” Alcoholic beverages have a lengthy history of being a “social drink.” Instead of drinking for the purpose of maintaining health, beer is often drunk for “fun” or, in extreme cases, used as a poor substitute for stress reduction. If you've ever heard someone trying to “drink their worries away,” consumption of beer might help people temporarily forget their worries, but increases things to worry about in the long run, as far as health is concerned.

Much like sodas, smoothies and milkshakes served in fast food restaurants are loaded with sugars, which lead to similar health problems created by high sugar beverages. While they may taste great or feel refreshing, there are several healthy alternatives that also taste great, if not better!

A surprising healthy drink to enhance the mood is hot chocolate. Studies show that hot chocolate increases a serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin is a common physiological trait found in depression. By increasing serotonin levels, your mood can be enhanced and sharpened, making it easier to face your worries with good choices, rather than attempting to drink them away.

3. Fast Food Smoothies and Milkshakes

Smoothies and milkshakes served in fast food restaurants are loaded with sugars, which lead to similar health problems created by high sugar beverages. While they may taste great or feel refreshing, there are several healthy alternatives that also taste great, if not better!
Several fruit juices like orange juice not only provide a great taste, they also provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health. They also provide antioxidants that help trap and eliminate free radicals that contribute to serious diseases like certain cancers. Fruits like blueberries and goji berries have some of the highest reported levels of antioxidants. Making your own homemade smoothies using healthy fruits and vegetables promote optimal health and great taste.