Canada’s Food Guide: Make water your drink of choice
The new Canadian food guide is taking greater strides towards helping Canadians make healthier choices when it comes to food and drink. Many beverage options available are high in calories, sodium, sugar and saturated fat. Water is the perfect drink when you’re thirsty. It can optimize your health without the excess calories.
Our bodies require water, but it’s lost through sweating, breathing, etc., but that water needs to be replenished.
How to encourage yourself to drink more water?
The food guide recommends that you make a concerted effort to drink water with every meal. When eating out, always ask for water. Carrying a reusable water bottle when you’re out. Always drink water before, during and after physical activity. Always keep a pitcher of water in your fridge.
To make water more palatable, try flavouring it with natural ingredients. Infuse fruits and herbs in your water (hot or cold). Crush, tear or chop the infusions to help release the flavour.
You can also drink unsweetened tea and coffee, which are water-based beverages. These often have caffeine, so be sure drink in moderation.