Is it real or is it Memorex? Some of you will be able to relate to that phrase, or you may remember in 1963, the year Kellog introduced us to the Pop Tart, advertised as a healthy breakfast made in your toaster. On the real side, Pop-Tarts are a highly processed food with no nutritional value.
Today there are multiple healthy drinks found in the aisles of your health food stores, the choices include antioxidants, fruit juices, zero-calorie sweeteners, and water from all over the world. One example was Vitamin Water, advertised as a healthy drink with fewer calories than a pop full of sugar. The problem was that they were sweetened with fructose and sugar, a double whammy adding up to 60 calories. Those who drink pop know that is less than a can or bottle of pop. However, a bottle of Vitamin Water contained two servings. Healthy?
For the past few years, Kombucha sold in every retail store, has been the go-to health drink. Kombucha originated in ancient China and is a fermented tea combined with sugar giving it that great flavor. Some kombucha companies add extra sugar after the tea is brewed to boost the taste. The health benefit of drinking Kombucha is to feed the microbiome of your gut, important to your health is destroyed by the extra sugar.
I make smoothies from leftover veggies or fruit that needs to be used. Last week I made orange juice and pineapple smoothies, simply delicious. The stores have a large variety of smoothies, made with fruit puree, kale, collagen, and plant-based protein, to name a few. Some store-bought smoothies are pasteurized resulting in less nutritional value. Take time to read the label, you may find a lot of calories, carbs, and sugars listed, adding a lot of fat.
The name of the last category of healthy drinks I will discuss today is Natural Soda or Pop. They are supposed to be a version of pop without high fructose corn syrup and chemicals, but are they healthy? Look at the label, you may find fruit juice, fructose, and /or sugar. Low-sugar options, such as the brand Spindrift, a combination of fruit juice and sparkling water can sneak up on you after drinking three or four like water.
Zevia, a healthier option for pop is made with stevia, which has no calories, several flavors are available. The bottom line is to find or make a refreshing healthy option for pop. A quality health food store is your best option, however, it takes time to read the labels on all the products available.
Take charge, buy some sparkling water, and squeeze lemon or lime into it. No need to worry about calories, sugar, or other additives. Your health is wealth, invest in it!
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings❤️
