What to drink?

Drinks are big business and there's a lot of choices out there. But when it comes to liquids, which are the better choices? Well, here are some to consider:

• Water: Any pure and trusted water is something your body needs routinely. It should be a primary liquid every day.
• Tea: High in antioxidants, green tea is among the best and there is some ancillary evidence that it may combat the spread of certain cancers (see this Mayo Clinic article, among others on their site). Green tea is generally pretty bitter, however. There are more pleasant green tea blends available, or you can offset the bitter taste by mixing it with lemon tea or a sweetener (for example; agave, raw sugar, or some honey). One of my tricks is to brew two bags Bigelow green tea with one bag lemon tea in 8 oz of hot water; I found the lemon tea offsets the bitterness of the green tea somewhat. Also, at least one source recommends steeping teas for ten minutes (rather than three), supposedly because it releases more of the antioxidant polyphenols -- your choice there. Finally, watch out for sweetened teas in large cans - read the label on any "thirst quenchers" out there - they may not be the most health friendly option.
• Rooibos: Great hot or as an iced beverage, a delightful option to the usual coffee and tea choices.
• Coffee: If you're a coffee drinker, take heart; it's a beneficial beverage in moderation - so enjoy it.
• Juices: Look for natural juices with no added sugar, or reduced sugar options. Some suggestions: 100% juice blends -  add a little sparkling water and make your own soda.
• Wine, beer, and spirits: There is trace resveratrol in red wine and some B vitamins in grain-brewed beer. Spirits should be for enjoyment alone - and in limited amounts. All alcoholic beverages should be in moderate amounts, as a rule of thumb just one drink every few days or a couple a week. Some prefer to avoid wine because of the sulfites used to preserve it, you have to make your own call there.
• Smoothies: Yeah, a good treat. Look for ones that are higher on natural fruits and veggies than the "treat content" (like ice cream, sweetened syrups, yogurt, and so forth). Also, be aware that smoothies usually carry significant calorie content, so keep an eye on that, too.
•  V8 low sodium: A good beverage option that works well in the lunch box. Buy a bottle and take some in your own BPA free plastic cup or container.

Big picture resources

These two films are worthwhile views for gaining a better appreciation of healthy eating and making wise food choices that will assist feeding earth's growing population in the decades ahead, too. You may not agree with every premise presented in these films, but I guarantee they'll open your thinking to new possibilities about nutrition, sustainability, and making a difference by what you bring home to eat:

• Food, Inc., 2008 - on Amazon and Netflix.
• Vegucated, 2011 - on Amazon.

Another under appreciated topic: Fresh, potable water for a thirsty world. See Fred Pearce's book for an stimulating presentation about the concerns and potential on this front, too.