Rethink Your Drink

Extra calories from added sugar—like those in sugary drinks— contribute significantly to overweight and obesity. In fact, sugary drinks are the largest contributor of added sugar in the diet. Public health encourages everyone to drink water. Every system in your body depends on water, it helps flush toxins from your body, carries nutrients to your cells, and aids in many other important functions. Download the JCPH sugar shockers flyer. Download the Rethink Your Drink flyer. Check out these Rethink your drink recipe from California: Cumcumber Mint Breeze or Strawberry Pineapple Lemonade.

Cutting Calories? Drop the Soda!

If you are cutting calories, you may want to take a look at what you are drinking. It is easy to lose track of the calories you are consuming in the drinks you have. Cutting back on sugary drinks can cut over 600 calories a day! Check the nutrition label on your drink. What you find may surprise you!

For a general idea, check out the chart below. (Find more information by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Imagine, if you skipped drinking your soda 2 times a day and replaced it with water… You could save up to 284 calories every single day!

If you are watching the drinks you consume, you may also want to pay attention to your caffeine intake. Especially when it comes to energy drinks. Keep in mind that these drinks are not only loaded with caffeine but other stimulants like vitamin B and sugar. For more information, see the Jefferson County Public Health brochure on caffeine.

Candy and Cookies and Fudge! O My!

The Holidays are here! Many of us will be going to parties, hosting family gatherings and eating more than usual. Jefferson County Public Health reminds everyone that moderation is important when it comes to what you are consuming.

JCPH’s Portion Plate Guide can help you keep track of how much you’re eating.

Keeping fruits and vegetables in your kitchen, instead of sugary snacks are a great way to curb your sweet cravings.

Food isn’t the only thing that we tend to overindulge in this time of year, sugar-laden drinks also tend to abound. Help your friends and family members rethink their drink.

Speaking of drinking, alcohol is also often consumed in excess during the holidays. Pay attention to how much alcohol you drink and know the health effects of excessive alcohol use. If you want to quit drinking alcohol, be sure to seek professional help, as withdrawing from alcohol can be life threatening without medical attention.

For those who smoke tobacco, try cutting back or take steps towards quitting instead of increasing your habit during the holidays, contact the Colorado Quit Line for more information. And, although this time of year gets incredibly busy, be sure to schedule time for a little exercise. Not only can physical activity help attack holiday weight gain, it can also help reduce stress --something that can certainly sneak up on us this time of year.