Drink Healthy

With assistance from Northeastern graduate student Crystal (Sopher) Richardson

You are what you… DRINK?
The Healthier Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 included the addition of the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools which prescribed limitations on beverages offered for sale to students during the school day.1  These guidelines eliminated the sale of sodas, caffeinated beverages in some states, and restricted the size of non-caloric beverages, milk and juice for all grade levels.  Many would agree that this was a courageous and much needed step to ensure that children developed healthy eating and DRINKING habits. School systems across the United States must have portable water available, free of charge and available to all students. Many school districts encourage the consumption of plain water by allowing students to have water bottles in class. Great steps, great idea, only one problem… what about the adults?

In 2006, a group of researchers from Across the US gathered together to collaborate and develop beverage guidelines as the Beverage Guidance Council.2  Although, over a decade has passed since they were developed, their advice still rings true. The Panel developed a six-level pitcher (see below), much like the food pyramid of the time, offering recommendations for healthy beverage consumption.

Level 1: Water
Water provides everything that the body needs.  Although, individual needs for water will differ as to the amount needed each day based on diet, weather, and activity level- the Institute of Medicine (IOM) does recommend 125 ounces a day for women and 91 ounces per day for men.3

Level 2: Unsweetened Tea or Coffee
When consumed plain, they are calorie-free and contain antioxidants, flavonoids and other biologically active substances that are good for your health

Level 3: Low-Fat and Skim Milk and Soy Beverages
Adults should limit milk to 1-2 cups per day, less being fine due to calories, but be sure that you are choosing other calcium-rich foods or you may need to consider a supplement to meet your calcium needs.

Level 4: Non-calorically Sweetened Beverages
This level encompasses artificially sweetened sports drinks and diet sodas.  Remember, these are a reduced calorie alternative, but should be consumed as a “treat” and not a replacement for water.

Level 5: Calorically Sweetened Beverages
The Beverage Guidance Panel gives this level its “least recommended” designation.  They are not recommended as a daily beverages due to their high calorie content and the fact that they provide little to no nutritional value.

Level 6: Alcoholic Beverages
The Panel does not offer guidance regarding alcoholic beverages; however the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommends consuming alcohol in moderation and should be considered as part of your daily recommended calorie intake.4 The Guidelines also offer drink equivalents for all alcoholic beverages that should be considered as well (https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/appendix-9/). And of course... only for those of the legal drinking age.

References:

1. Tools for Schools: Focusing on Smart Snacks.  USDA website. https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/tools-schools-focusing-smart-snacks .  Accessed March 24, 2018.
2. Healthy Beverage Guidelines.  The Nutrition Source: Harvard School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks-full-story/ . Published 2006. Accessed March 13, 2018.
3. Dietary Reference Intakes: Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. http://nationalacademies.org/hmd/reports/2004/dietary-reference-intakes-water-potassium-sodium-chloride-and-sulfate.aspx Accessed April 11, 2018
4. Appendix 9. Alcohol. Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020. Health.gov. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/appendix-9/. Published 2015.  Accessed March 12, 2018.