Alcohol-Free Drinks Can Help People Beat the Heat

People are more at risk of dehydration during the heat of the summer and alcohol can make things worse, a New York nutritionist says.

“Sipping on drinks that contain alcohol increases the body’s need to urinate, which can actually lead to and accelerate dehydration,” said Leah Pasquarella, RD, chief clinical dietitian at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore. “For every two to three sips of alcoholic beverages, you need to drink a glass of water to prevent dehydration.”

For those watching their calories, alcoholic beverages also have additional calories. Ms. Pasquarella suggests alcohol-free, chilled beverages and drinks that are unsweetened, such as flavored seltzers that have no calories.

For some additional ideas for mocktails, click here: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/easy_mocktails

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