Slim Pickings

V8 Energy Diet and Smartwater Sparkling
V8 Energy Diet and Smartwater Sparkling

Frappuccinos. Lemonade. Daiquiris. Milkshakes.

They're some of summer's most refreshing sippers. They're also some of the most sugary.

If you're seeking liquid heat relief without a ton of calories, here are some beverages to sample.

V8 + Energy Diet (one 8-ounce can of the Cranberry Raspberry flavor contains 10 calories and zero fat, 3 carbohydrate, zero fiber, 1 sugar and zero protein grams): These energy drinks, packaged in cute little cans, feature mostly water, a small percentage of vegetable and fruit juices and a kick of green tea extract. They're not overly sweet, and maybe the flavor names don't quite jibe with the actual flavor (hmm, it's fruity, but that tastes nothing like Strawberry Lemonade!). But what do you want for 10 calories?

Smartwater Sparkling (one 20-ounce bottle contains zero calories and zero grams of fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar and protein): Smartwater now has a sister with a more bubbly personality -- Smartwater Sparkling. It's crisp (and calorie-free) all by itself. And it has party potential as a mixer for seasonal wine spritzers and sangria.

-- Jennifer Christman

Slim Pickings is a weekly review of light foods. Email:

jchristman@arkansasonline.com

ActiveStyle on 07/25/2016

Upcoming Events