Healthy, Science-Backed Eating Hacks That Will Transform Your Diet

If You Avoid Anything, Drop Sugary Drinks

If you want to replace any unhealthy foods, start with sugary drinks. Soda, lemonade, sweet iced tea, and juice are “empty calories”–drinks that add no nutritional benefit. According to Diabetes Care, sugary drinks consistently lead to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Virginia tech researcher Kiyah J. Duffey says that replacing one sugary drink can make all the difference. During her study, participants who switched to water lowered their calorie intake from 17% to 11%. Consider flavored water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea instead of sugary beverages.

Keep reading for dietitian-approved frozen meals.