From 2007
 H20 STAND-INSpecial K20 Protein Water Drink It Because: With no caffeine, it counts toward your daily fluid requirements. Beware: It’s not calorie-free (don’t drink in lieu of water) and doesn’t contain enough protein to be used as a supplement. Taste Tip: Reach for Tropical Blend, which curbs sweet cravings. Pass up the more artificial-tasting Strawberry Kiwi and Lemon Twist. Find It: $1.49 each or $5.49 for pack of four at Target, 6419 Skillman St. 214-348-0240. |
 BREAKFAST BREAK LightFull Smoothie Drink It Because: It’s packed with calcium, fiber (for satiety), and little sugar in the form of all-natural sweeteners. “These are wonderfully healthy smoothies—the perfect late-afternoon pick-me-up,” says dietician Julie Bender. |
 SODA SUB IZZE esque Drink It Because: It’s low-cal, with nearly half the calories and a third of the carbs of most energy drinks or sodas. Plus: no caffeine. Beware: It’s just 5 percent juice. “It tastes fruity and will keep you hydrated, but it doesn’t provide a significant source of vitamins or minerals,” says dietician Elizabeth Schaub. Taste Tip: The Black Raspberry tastes like club soda with a hint of raspberry on the finish. Find It: $4.99 for four at Whole Foods Market, 4100 Lomo Alto Dr. 214-520-7993. |
 STAFF PICKBloom Energy Drink It Because: It’s all-natural, meaning there’s no high-fructose corn syrup, and it has fewer calories than other energy drinks. It’s also got 100 percent of vitamin C, and it’s a good source of calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin D. A full serving of fruit and white tea provides added nutrition and antioxidant benefits. |
 POWER PUNCHInko’s White Tea Energy Drink It Because: It’s an energy boost with a high concentration of flavonoids, which have many health benefits, including antioxidant properties. They might also play a role in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention. Beware: With white and black teas as a caffeine source, one can of Inko’s contains double the amount of a cup of coffee. One too many may cause you to be nervous and irritable. Drink it all and you’ll also get as many calories and carbs as a regular soda. Taste Tip: Think lemon-lime Gatorade. The flavor hits just right on the sweet scale. Find It: $1.49 each at Whole Foods Market, 11700 Preston Rd. 214-361-8887. |
 HUNGER BUSTERStonyfield Farm Organic Smoothie Drink It Because: You’ll get 25 percent of your daily calcium needs along with probotics and prebiotics (active cultures and inulin), which promote beneficial bacteria in the stomach. Inulin has also been known to increase calcium absorption and is a good source of soluble fiber. |
| Special thanks to Baylor Healthcare System registered dieticians Julie Bender and Elizabeth Schaub. *The FDA doesn’t regulate energy drinks. These brand-new beverages have plenty of calories, carbs, and sugars. But they’re fun to try, and you might find a new favorite. |
