Finding healthy beverage choices during pregnancy is not as easy as it seems given that there are many choices available that may not be healthy. Many bottled drinks contain caffeine, artificial sweeteners, preservatives or they are swimming with sugar. Here are some of the healthiest beverage choices that you can buy or make yourself to keep you hydrated and even provide some nutrition while you are pregnant.
Green Tea – Iced or Hot
Green tea is filled with antioxidants and can be consumed over ice or served warm. If you like your green tea sweetened, try a teaspoon of honey rather than using artificial sweeteners. Green tea does have a small amount of caffeine per cup, typically about 30 mg. If you prefer to avoid all caffeine, look for brands of decaffeinated green tea, which you can get from a wholesale tea distributor.
Diluted Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is an excellent pregnancy drink, however it is also loaded with sugar. Try diluting it with water or add some unflavored seltzer for carbonation. Be sure to buy cranberry juice, since the drink or cocktail varieties do not contain 100% juice.
Filtered Water with Lemon
There is a lot of information coming out about the safety of drinking water and even the safety of bottled water. Investing in water purification systems is a great way to get rid of chemicals in tap water. These water systems can be installed by contractors offering residential and commercial water purification systems and services. Or if your budget is tight, you can use the water filters, (such as Brita) to reduce chemicals in water. Add a slice of lemon to your natural mineral water for some extra flavor.
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
There is nothing better than a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade over ice, especially on a warm summer or early autumn afternoon. Lemons are also a known aide for morning sickness. Don’t bother using bottled lemon juice since it contains preservatives.
Here is what you need to make your own fresh squeezed lemonade:
4-6 lemons, 5-6 cups of water and 3/4 cup of sugar. Melt the sugar in 1 cup of the water in a saucepan. Squeeze the lemons with a juicer to make about 1 cup of fresh squeezed juice. Add the lemon juice and remaining water to the melted sugar and water combination. Refrigerate and add ice and sliced lemons to serve.
Fresh Fruit Smoothies
Smoothies can be a great way to enjoy a dessert and fluids. You can also add extra nutrients and even serve smoothies as a quick breakfast choice by adding a protein source such as powdered whey proteins and/or almond butter. Start with fruits such as mangoes, bananas and berries and add plain or vanilla non-fat yogurt and ice to make great-tasting smoothies.
