Think Twice Before Your Next Sip

Nutritionists, fitness fanatics, and diet-conscious individuals often focus on the different foods consumed throughout the average day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and possibly even dessert. In order to stay healthy, our bodies need a delicate balance of carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. What many do not think to consider, however, is the type of fluids we ingest on a regular basis, as these too can have a profound effect on person’s overall health. At Global Catering Canada, your offshore catering and victualling management professionals are always working hard on how to prepare nutritious meals and keep things running, so it is important to take a moment and reflect on the type of drinks consumed during the day. Popular beverages contain myriad hidden chemicals and additives, despite what the labels may claim. According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, the average person imbibes 300 calories a day, yet what we drink should never amass to more than 10% of our daily recommended calorie intake. It has even been proven that over-indulging in sugary beverages may lead to weight gain, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. For those of us involved with catering for ships, offshore platforms, and rigs, healthy living is crucial, so here are a few things to ponder next time you reach for the refrigerator:

Diet Soda

Numerous studies have concluded that artificial sweeteners can do much more harm than good. For example, the San Antonion Heart Study proved that individuals who consume at least one diet-pop a day are 65% more likely to become obese over the following seven to eight years. Similarly, artificial sugars trick our digestive system, making it more difficult to process real sugar over time. As a result, our body’s ability to gauge calorie consumption becomes skewed.

Energy Drinks

Between 2004 and 2009, energy drink sales increased exponentially. Today, nearly 50% of young adults rely on energy drinks for an immediate pick-up during the work week. The worst part is that some of these stimulant drinks are equivalent to nearly 50 cups of coffee! It is no surprise that the American Medical Association sought to ban high-energy beverages for individuals under the age of 18 earlier this year.

Milk

According to the British Journal of Nutrition, milk hydrates better than water. Since milk replaces lost sodium from perspiration, the body retains fluid during physical activity more efficiently, thus avoiding dehydration. In addition, milk contains high protein levels, carbs, calcium, and electrolytes. The Dietary Guideline for Americans recommends three servings of low-fat milk per day.

Water

This may be the last thing, we in the marine catering business want to hear, since crew in offshore and ship management are out at sea for long periods of time, but water is the single most important thing for us to drink. Down to every cell in our bodies, we need water – and lots of it. The Government of Canada suggests women drink 9 cups of water a day and 13 cups for men; active individuals will need to increase this number. Adding fruit peels can make drinking water less mundane, just don’t overload your water with artificial flavouring or added vitamins; otherwise it becomes another sugary beverage to avoid.