Rethink Your Drink, Hawai‘i!
Good nutrition isn’t only about what you eat…
Sugary drinks contain “empty calories” of no nutritional value, meaning they aren’t good for you. And they don’t make you feel full after drinking them, like you would if you had eaten the same number of calories!
Sugary drinks can lead to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes and other serious health issues.
So, eat your calories (rather than drink them)!
Watch the latest Rethink Your Drink PSAs!
Watch past Rethink Your Drink PSAs!
What is a sugary drink?
A sugary drink is any beverage that contains added sugar or a caloric sweetener, such as soda, fruit-flavored drinks (other than 100% fruit juice), sports drinks, energy drinks and sweetened tea/coffee drinks.
The problem:
Sugary drinks are the number one source of excess sugar in the U.S. diet. On average, Hawaii’s teens drink 8.6 sugary drinks per week — more than any other age group. This means that teens are consuming an extra 1,200 calories per week of no nutritional value.
1,200 calories equals about 86 teaspoons of sugar… this means that the average Hawaii teen is DRINKING 40 pounds of sugar a year! Sugar turns to fat in our bodies, putting Hawaii teens at risk for gaining up to 10 POUNDS of weight in one year.
Water: The Perfect Drink!
Water is calorie-free, sugar-free, fat-free and costs nothing (when it’s from the tap). Water is the BEST CHOICE to rehydrate throughout the day. So, don’t forget to pack your water bottle in the morning and keep it full all day!
How much water do you need?
Teens and adults should drink approximately 9 to 14 glasses (8 oz) of water per day. In the hot Hawaii sun, you will need more fluids, but don’t wait until you feel thirsty. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water throughout the day, even before physical activity or going outdoors.
Tips for Drinking More Water
- Serve water with meals.
- Keep water on hand at work, in school, at home, and in the car.
- Carry a water bottle with you and refill it often.
Experiment with fruit and herb “infused” water. To do this, mix and match fruits and herbs to your water, such as strawberries, rosemary, mint, cucumber, lemon, lime or orange wedge.
- Keep a pitcher of water with fruit slices in your refrigerator.
