Beverages

• Avoid fruit juices (even homemade). They are naturally high in sugar and low in fiber.


• Drink water as your primary beverage, approximately eight eight-ounce glasses per day:
• Needs increase in heat and with physical activity
• Reduce/Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages:
• Coffee two or fewer eight-ounce cups per day


• Tea four or fewer eight-ounce cups per day
• Limit regular soda, specialty coffee drinks, and smoothies. They are high in calories and sugar.


• Alcohol consumption should be limited to one per day for a woman and two per day for a man
• One drink is defined as: four to five ounces of wine, 12 ounces beer or one and a half ounces of hard liquor.


• Avoid altogether if your physician has advised you of this.


• Avoid if taking medication or herbal supplements that interact.


• Avoid if there is a history of substance or alcohol abuse.


• Avoid or limit if trying to lose weight (it is high in calories).


• Moderate drinking (as described above) is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and may improve insulin action.

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