Best Exercise Guide

Water: Water is the number one fluid. It is really all you need to live and thrive. Most tap water is fine although if it tastes slightly off you may want to add a slice of lemon. Bottled water is OK, and in some parts of the world tap water is unsafe to drink.

Soda: Soda simply isn't good for you. In moderation it's OK, but it's full of sugar and calories and hard on your teeth as it's acidic. Diet soda is equally tough on your teeth and contains chemical sweetener. Regardless of what some people think, there are no long term studies on their effects, so again, practice moderation.

Sports Beverages: If you like them, drink them, but be aware that they contain calories. If you exercise for an hour or less at a time, they are unnecessary.

Juice: Pure juice is good for you as it contains vitamins and potassium, but it is high in calories, and doesn't fill you up. Fruit is usually better for you, but there is nothing wrong with occasional juice.

Milk: OK, you might not like what I'm going to say, but although milk is full of healthy calcium (there are other sources by the way), cow milk is designed for baby cows, not adult humans. Drinking it is pretty strange, unless you are a calf!

Coffee and Tea: I love coffee and I like tea, but the caffeine has a slight dehydrating effect. Skip the sugar and go light on cream if you need it.

And the winner is, water, the perfect fluid whether you are an exercise nut or a couch potato!