The choices were : Revive, B Relaxed, Energize. You might think we were reviewing treatment choices for a spa. But instead, the selections were for bottle water found on the shelves of a local grocery store. We asked Seton Outpatient Nutrition Services Senior Clinical Dietitian Wendy Morgan, RD, LD to review this new trend.

"During a recent trip to my local store, I could not help but be amazed at how many aisles were devoted to beverages including waters, soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, teas, coffees and juices," says Wendy.

"Water is one of the essential nutrients for life. But who knew there were so many choices and that making a selection could be so complicated. One brand offered 10 different types of functional water, each with a unique blend of vitamins, some with minerals, some with phytochemicals and some with herbs. This didnt include different flavors or different sizes," she adds. "Each was promising to help with focus or energy or immune defense or relaxation. Some waters had added caffeine."

Consumers have gotten the message to drink more water. According to a report by The Container Recycling Institute, Americans spent more than $270 billion for 36 billion gallons of fountain and packaged beverages in 2005. The Institute reports these beverages have surpassed carbonated soft drink consumption. Not to be left behind by the trend, soft drink manufacturers recently have added vitamins and minerals to their products. For example, Pepsi offers Pepsi Max Invigorating with added caffeine and ginseng.

"A lot of these beverages are marketed to children, such as Crayola brand water. Crayon fruit juices and sports drinks promise they won't raise blood sugar because of their unique sweetener, SugarGuard," says Wendy.

"Not considering the environmental impact or recent reports of the dangers of plastics, the costs to our waistlines are huge. With the epidemic rise in childhood obesity, adult obesity and type 2 diabetes, we all need to ask ourselves: Can we afford to spend our calorie salary on sugar water and is this the best way to meet daily vitamin and mineral needs?"

Get Vitamins and Minerals

Wendy estimates approximately 20 percent of our fluid needs are met through the water contained in foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In addition, they usually provide the minimum daily requirements for vitamins and minerals. "These are the most natural and useable forms of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function," she adds.

For example:

• 1 medium fresh Kiwi has 45 calories and contributes 120 percent of the recommended daily value for Vitamin C.
• 1 whole large carrot has 30 calories and contributes 110 percent of the recommended daily value for Vitamin A.

Consuming a varied diet almost always provides the nutrients you need for healthy living. She also has these simple suggestions for making sure you get enough nutrients and fluids:

• Chew your calories dont drink them. "Choose low calorie, fiber- and water-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains," recommends Wendy.
• Quench thirst with water and sugar free beverages. "Think globally but drink locally," she advises.
• Energize with exercise and nutrient-rich whole foods. "Beverages loaded with added sugar and caffeine are not good sources of energy, but contribute many added calories."
• Refresh and revitalize, get plenty of sleep. "If you need a boost to get through your day, you may need more sleep."

More Resources

Wendy recommends a story from a 2006 Nutrition Action Health Letter, called Pour Better or Pour Worse: How Beverages Stack Up (PDF format), for more information on beverages.

She also likes the information contained in Water, Water Everywhere: the Growth of Non-Carbonated Beverages in the United States (PDF format), published by the Container Recycling Institute.

Wendy Morgan, RD, LD
Senior Clinical Dietitian
Seton Outpatient Nutrition Services

Wendy is a clinical dietitian at Seton Northwest Hospital and accepts outpatient nutrition counseling referrals from physicians. Contact her at (512) 324-1000, x18014 for an appointment.

NOTE: The clinical dietitians at the Seton Family of Hospitals are working on a weight management education program to assist Seton employees in achieving their healthy weight goals. Wendy Morgan, RD, LD will make the educational materials they are developing available to you periodically via GoodHealth.com. We call the program Weigh to Health.