What a Dietitian Really Eats, Part 5: Beverages

A little twist on the "What a Dietitian Really Eats" series, taking a look at what I drink during the day, it's not all water and green tea. I'm proud to say I kicked my CokeZero habit. I can't even look at one now! But about 4-5 days of the week, my day concludes with a glass of crisp dry white wine or refreshing amber ale microbrew.

During the winter I swap white for red wine, and go with smooth stouts and porters.

Here's a breakdown of what I drink most days:

• Coffee

  Gots to have it. I have a one year old and a three year old, both of whom wake up long before the sun comes up on most days. Again, gots to have it. With a splash of organic 1% milk and full-fat half and half. I use both to achieve the perfect balance of creaminess and milkiness, but keeping calories in check. No sugar though.

• Water

  Lots of ice-cold water makes up the majority of my fluid intake, especially during the scorching summer weather here in the Southwest.

• Sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea

  I usually have a glass during either lunch or dinner. Or if I really want to mix things up, I'll do half sparkling water and half iced tea. My favorite right now is coldbrew mint green tea. Super refreshing!

• Beer or wine or an occasional gin 'n tonic

  With LOTS of fresh lime.

On occasion, I'll get a bottle of kombucha as a treat. And I frequently drink iced coffee with almond milk (made at home) as an afternoon pick me up.

What I avoid: All juices, flavored waters, sweet alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, and soda.

What are you sippin' on?