SAFE DRINKING

MYTH: “Diet” drinks are healthier

FACT: One can of regular pop contains about 135 kilocalories whereas a can of diet pop contains less than 10 kilocalories; some even contain zero kilocalories. Therefore, it is true that diet pop contains fewer calories. However, it is rather difficult to agree that diet pop is "healthier" as there is really nothing healthy about artificially colored and flavored water. In fact, artificial sweeteners are sweeter and make you crave for more.

MYTH: All bottled waters (sparkling water, tonic water, flavored water, and mineral water) are water.

FACT: Plain bottled water is water and is calorie-free. Some flavored waters are made with water and real juice. However, many flavored waters are flavored with artificial sweeteners and contain little juice. Tonic water, for instance, has 125 kilocalories per serving. Hence, reading the label and checking the ingredient list is important. Also, if you drink bottled water instead of tap water regularly, make sure it contains fluoride. 

MYTH: Drinking wine instead of beer won't make a beer-belly

FACT: It is simply not true that wine contains fewer calories than beer. One glass of wine (five ounces) contains about 130 kilocalories whereas one bottle of beer (12 ounces) has about 150 kilocalories. Therefore, wine contains more calories on a per-ounce basis. As a general rule, the sweeter the wine, the more sugar and calories it contains. By the same token for hard liquor; the higher the proof, the higher the calories.

Remember this next time when you are contemplating a second helping of alcohol: calories from alcohol tend to be stored as fat in the abdomen. So, if you drink alcohol on a regular basis (regardless of the kinds of alcohol), watch out for the beer-belly!