Drink to Good Health

July 5, 2011
Written by: Julie Bosche, Filed in: Employee Health Programs

Who knew something as simple as diet soda could cause such a stir?

Recent findings suggest there is no link between weight gain and diet soda consumption, while other findings contradict that assessment.

This kind of conflicting information leaves thirsty dieters wondering what to wash down all that healthy food with.

And while it’s true that drinking diet soda may (or may not) have an effect (one way or the other) on weight, the bottom line remains: The best drink for everyone is good old H2O.

Sugary or not, carbonated beverages are so ubiquitous in our society that they’ve managed to all but edge out water as the beverage of choice for most people. Your workers may pass up the water cooler for the vending machine more than once a day.

Whether they’re choosing a diet soda or a can full of calories is arguably less important than how to convince them to go for the water instead (or at least more often).

Water does more than just quench thirst. It’s vital for hydration, making it an indispensable tool for exercisers. It promotes weight loss and can help people consume fewer calories overall, aids digestion, relieves fatigue, and generally improves health.

So getting your employees to drink more water benefits you, too, in the form of healthier workers who are more energized and primed for productivity.

Here are a few quick tricks for getting your 8 glasses (or more!) a day:

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a kick of flavor.

Drink it cold; it goes down easier.

Drink water before getting a snack, and then reevaluate your hunger.

Keep your water bottle on you at all times and sip throughout the workday.

If sipping isn’t your style, schedule times to chug a glass or two all at once.

Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits with a high water content. These include carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, and apples.