KTK-Nutrition

So many of my relatives have switched from drinking sugared sodas to drinking sparkling water.   What are the pros and cons of switching to sparkling water?   My sister sent me several articles about sparkling water that answers these questions. What is sparkling water? Sparkling water is also called “seltzer water” or “carbonated water” as it has carbon dioxide bubbles in it.   There are many kinds of sparkling water including: “club soda, soda water, seltzer water, mineral water, and tonic water”.   Mineral water:   water from a mineral spring or a well that may contain some minerals, sulfur compounds and natural bubbles.   Tonic water:   has quinine and added sugar or added high-fructose corn syrup.   The quinine gives it a bitter taste.   Sparkling water :   Water with carbon dioxide added to make it fizzy and bubbly.   May also have flavorings, some real fruit juice, or artificial sweeteners added.    What are...

Water – who would think one has different choices for plain water?   Growing up, there was water from the tap and some businesses had the water in the large bottles and you held a paper cup under to get a very small drink of water.   Now, there are so many choices and a lot of misinformation on what water is best to drink.   With the heat of summer upon us, hydration is important as drinking water is always a good way to stay hydrated.   But what “water” is best and which “water” should you avoid? Water is actually a nutrient and we need water to keep our temperature normal, to help cushion and lubricate our joints, and to get rid of wastes through perspiration and urination.   In hot weather and when we are physically active, we need even more water.   Since plain water has no calories , researchers have found drinking water can help one control body weight and can cut back on calories if plain water replaces sugared sodas.     And we are drin...

At long last, SUMMER!!    With the heat and humidity, we need to focus on staying hydrated.   Water is always a good choice for hydration.    MSN has an interesting article on  5 Easy Ways to Stay Hydrated This Summer .   Stay away from the sugar sweetened beverages loaded with sugar and calories.   Yes, enjoying some lemonade is fun but it is not a juice and it is loaded with added sugar.    What are some ways to stay hydrated?   How do you know you need hydration?   Thirst is the first sign of becoming dehydrated.   Your body is telling you to drink more fluids.   Eight cups is a good goal but you may need even more when exercising outside or being outside in the heat. Unsweetened Coffee – most people think coffee dehydrates you, but coffee is a fluid and can count towards your daily fluid intake.   And coffee can help you feel more alert and keep you energized.     Unsweetened Ice Tea – ice tea...