Post: 10 Drinks Nutritionists Avoid for Better Health

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Consider these healthier alternatives instead. Eva Gattuso//Getty Images It’s easy to forget that drinks can add to your overall calorie and sugar intake for the day. And while protein shakes or juices may seem like “healthy” options, that’s not always the case. In fact, many unsuspecting beverages are actually high in sugar, says Stephani Johnson, D.C.N., R.N., an adjunct professor in the department of clinical and preventive nutrition sciences at Rutgers University School of Health Professions.

Now, not all sugar is created equal: Added sugars include those from sources including cane sugar, brown sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or honey. “Naturally-occurring sugars in whole foods, such as fruit, are considered separately, but even these can be consumed in excess,” says Johnson.

While the FDA hasn’t set a specified recommendation for total sugar intake, the American Heart Association advises that men should consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day, and women should limit intake to 25 grams per day. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that no more than 10 percent of daily calories come from added sugars.

Meet the experts: Stephani Johnson , D.C.N., R.N., is an adjunct professor in the department of clinical and preventive nutrition sciences at Rutgers University School of Health Professions . Jason Ewoldt , M.S., R.D.N., is with Mayo Clinic.

That means, for someone consuming 2,000 calories per day, sugar should contribute no more than 200 calories. “Since foods and beverages high in sugar also tend to be high in calories, managing sugar intake is crucial for overall dietary balance,” says Johnson.

You can help keep your sugar intake in check—which can help with your overall health goals—by drinking the beverages below only in moderation. beverages not to drink fruit juice Westend61//Getty Images

1 Fruit Juice Juice seems healthier than many beverages, but that’s not always the case. “Some juices contain water and high fructose corn syrup as primary ingredients, with fruit juice concentrates appearing […]

10 Drinks Nutritionists Avoid for Better Health