Remember tea, coffee and aerated drinks dehydrate the system if had in excess. We have always advocated that eat everything in moderation. Sugar and caffeine are both sources of controversy. One can of cola contains about eight teaspoons of sugar. One faction of the sugar controversy states that it can cause cavities and is a source of empty calories, i.e. calories with no other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. The problem with empty calories is that it keeps you from eating other foods that are more nutritious and beneficial to your health. The other faction says that sugar is an evil that has detrimental physical and mental effects and it needs to be avoided at all costs. Since sugar is a carbohydrate, it can be used by the body for energy, or if consumed in excess, it can be converted to fat.

In terms of quitting soda, it usually takes lots of motivation. However, some people say that after an initial period of adjustment i.e. headaches, lethargy, feeling low etc., they do feel physically and mentally better, which is enough to keep them from going back. Always keep alternative beverages handy, because if you are thirsty and there is nothing else around, it becomes too easy to go back to the good old fizzy friend! 

Liquid foods, hot and cold, can that nourish the body all through the year through the vagaries of the temperatures. Some of us like iced tea, buttermilk, lemonade and sherbets during the hot days. These are all water based. Fresh fruit juices are also welcome as cooling refreshers. Combining a few juices to attain a tasty and wholesome medley is a good idea especially when the desire is to serve a drink with a difference but brimming with goodness to fight the heat effectively. Mocktails served in fancy glasses with decorative straws and stirrers sure bring cheer to hot days. When it is chilly, a cup of hot tea or coffee is welcome. Make the drink more nutritive by having milk and nut based beverages.