Tips for Smart Shopping and Easy Prep
Making healthier choices becomes second nature with a few simple habits.
1. Become a Label Detective: When buying packaged drinks, take a moment to read the ingredients list. Look out for “added sugars” and acidic additives like “citric acid” or “phosphoric acid.” The shorter and more recognizable the ingredient list, the better.
2. Brew with Care: You can lower the acidity of your coffee by trying a cold brew method, which extracts less of the bean’s acidic compounds. For all hot drinks, remember the temperature rule. Brew your tea or coffee, and then let it sit for 5-7 minutes to cool to a warm, safe temperature before drinking.
3. Dilution is Your Friend: If you find a particular juice or drink you love is causing a bit of trouble, don’t feel you have to give it up entirely. Try diluting it with water. A 50/50 mix of juice and water cuts the sugar and acid content in half while still providing a flavorful and hydrating beverage.
For science-based nutrition information, refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture at Nutrition.gov and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The National Institute on Aging also has excellent resources on healthy eating for seniors.
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