When we consider overhauling our diet ('diet' referring, in this case, to the type of food you regularly consume, not a crash new eating style you're trialling in order lose weight), there is often much greater focus placed on the type of food we consume, rather than the liquid proportion of our dietary intake. Given the amount of sugar and kilojoule level in a can of soft drink or a frappacino, we can not afford to overlook the key role consuming liquids can play in maintaining a healthy body.

Another component that we tend to overlook when it comes to our diets, purposely or otherwise, is the kilojoule content in the drinks we consume when out on the town, and the effect they have on our health. Frighteningly, we can overshoot our recommended daily kilojoule intake in just a few hours on a Friday evening on cocktails, beer or wine.


Photo by tonx, Doblonaut and balaam.

As with the food we eat, drinks like frappacinos or cans of soft drink are okay in moderation. You wouldn't eat a take out burger followed by a chocolate brownie every day, so why consume a similar level of kilojoules, fats and sugars in liquid form? It is important to be conscious of exactly what it is we are ordering when out and about so that we can make smarter choices.

So which drinks taste great but also work for observing a healthy, balanced diet?

For Get Up & Go - In The Morning

Espresso is the best choice when it comes to coffee, but an americano is not far behind. If you like a milkier alternative, try a flat white (or latte) but opt for skimmed or soy and go easy on the syrups, sugar or honey - become a coffee purist!

The er, confidently named, Pussy, is an all natural canned energy drink.

Berocca provides the boost you need, minus all the stuff that clogs arteries and adds inches!

To Enjoy At Anytime

Green Tea contains loads of antioxidants and is delicious!

A cup of Rooibos Tea has a nutty yet mildly sweet flavour and contains zero calories.

Iced Water or better yet, water with flavoured ice cubes. Get a little fancy and make up a tray of minted ice cubes or fresh fruit ice cubes to pop into a pint of water.

Flavoured mineral water is an option where we are quite spoiled for choice in the range of flavours available, what about trying apple and ginger or lemon and lime?

When Out On The Town

Spirits contain fewer calories than beer or wine. Enjoy neat or over ice. If you need a mixer, choose fruit juice rather than soft drink.

What do you choose to drink when keeping in mind a healthy, balanced diet?