You Are What You Drink

The Washington Post’s inimitable Sally Squires reminds us that as we mind our intake of junk food, we should also watch out for junk drink. Squires cites research conducted at the University of
North Carolina showing that liquid calories account for 20 percent of our caloric intake, and at least half of those calories come from sweetened beverages, whose consumption has climbed threefold, from an
average of 50 calories per day in 1977 to nearly 150 calories per day
in 2001. That’s enough, says Squires, to pile on about 15 pounds per year.
The Post piece links to a helpful graphic devised by nutritional experts at several universities, which ranks popular beverages on a scale of one (best) to six (worst).  Here’s a quick rundown:
Water
Tea or coffee
Lowfat milk
Diet drinks
Juice, sports drinks and alcohol
Soft drinks