Alameda Runners – Get After It!

When it comes to grocery shopping, you should never believe the hype!  There once was a time (right before I started running, of course) when I would go to Safeway and purchase whatever food, drinks, and snacks I wanted.  I slowly realized how difficult it is to burn calories and fuel my body properly while eating nothing but junk food.

The hardest part for me was going into Safeway and not purchasing all sorts of sugary, unhealthy drinks every time I went shopping.  Let me clarify:  I’m still eating occasional junk food and soda, but it’s much better than it was one year ago.

This article published by Men’s Health (thanks to David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding) shows the best and worst “health” drinks that you’ll find in your local grocery store.  The authors also include “health” drinks that you should absolutely avoid, and why you shouldn’t drink them.  Instead of just listing a bunch of unhealthy products, they also were kind enough to offer up a few healthy choices we can enjoy.

Worst water:  Snapple Agave Melon Antioxidant Water.
Alternative:  Smartwater

Worst bottled tea:  Sobe Green Tea
Alternative: Honest Tea Green Dragon Tea

Worst meal replacement drink:  Right Size Skini Vanili
Alternative: Slim-Fast! French Vanilla

Worst functional beverage: Arizona Rx Energy
Alternative: Glaceau Vitamin Water 10 Revitalize Green Tea

Worst frozen fruit drink: Krispy Kreme Lemon Sherbet Chiller
Alternative: Very Berry Chiller

Worst “health” drink in America: Smoothie King Peanut Power Plus Grape
Alternative:  High Protein Banana

The article lists why these are the worst drinks – and why the alternatives are better – so I’d urge you to give it a read.