Rethink Your Drink: My Current Beverage Lineup for Health, Glucose, and Longevity

When it comes to optimizing your health, what you drink matters just as much as what you eat. Hydration plays a major role in glucose stability, longevity, and overall well-being. Yet, many of us don’t realize how certain beverages—even ones marketed as healthy—can throw things off track.

After a lot of trial, error, and CGM testing, I’ve landed on a lineup of drinks that keep me hydrated, support my metabolic health, and actually make me feel good. In this post, I’m sharing my current go-to beverages, why I’ve ditched some former favorites, and how I’m refining my hydration routine with new research.

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Why I’m Always Re-Evaluating What I’m Drinking

Even as someone who digs into ingredient labels regularly, I still get fooled by clever marketing. It’s easy to see a “healthy” label on a drink and assume it’s good for you. Influencers (even doctors!) often promote products that seem clean but actually contain hidden junk.

A prime example? AG1. It was all over social media last year, but when I took a closer look, I realized it’s packed with unnecessary additives. Now, they’re even partnering with Starbucks—a huge red flag. A true health brand wouldn’t collaborate with a fast-food giant.

That experience reminded me why it’s so important to keep questioning what we consume. With so little oversight in the supplement and beverage space, it’s easy to be misled. That’s why I’m committed to doing the research and sharing what I find—so you can make informed choices without the guesswork.

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What I’m Skipping Now

Through research and personal testing, I’ve cut a few former staples from my lineup. While they may seem like good choices, they either contain sneaky blood sugar-spiking ingredients or lack the quality I’m aiming for.

🚫 Premade Protein Shakes & Coffees – Even the “clean” ones often contain artificial sweeteners, gums, or low-quality protein sources.
🚫 Sugar-Free Gatorade/Powerade – The artificial sweeteners and additives aren’t worth it.
🚫 Bai & Roar Organic Beverages – Marketed as low-sugar hydration, but they’re still artificially flavored and not great for glucose stability.
🚫 LemonWater Brand Drinks – Despite the clean branding, they still contain preservatives and unnecessary additives.
🚫 LMNT Electrolyte Packets – This one was a big disappointment. While I used to be a fan, it turns out they contain more maltodextrin than disclosed—hidden under “natural flavors.” Maltodextrin is a highly processed carb that causes glucose spikes, making it a no-go for me.

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My Current Beverage Lineup

After cutting the sneaky stuff, I’ve refined my daily lineup with drinks that support hydration, glucose control, and overall health. Here’s what’s in my regular rotation:

🟢 1. Daily Matcha – My Antioxidant Powerhouse

I spent a while researching the best-quality matcha and landed on Element Matcha—organic, high-quality, and third-party tested.

Why I love it:
✅ Rich in Antioxidants – Fights free radicals and supports cellular health.
✅ Boosts Concentration & Alertness – The combo of L-theanine and caffeine offers a calm, focused energy without the jitters.
✅ Supports Relaxation & Stress Reduction – Thanks to L-theanine’s calming effects.
✅ Metabolism & Fat Support – Helps promote fat oxidation and detoxifies with chlorophyll.
✅ Gentle Caffeine Boost – With just 35mg of caffeine, it provides steady energy without the crash.

I drink my matcha unsweetened daily. It’s become a non-negotiable part of my routine for both its health benefits and its ability to keep me steady and focused.

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☕️ 2. Organic Coffee – A Smarter Caffeine Routine

While I still enjoy coffee, I’m more intentional with how I drink it. I use whole beans (brands like Stumptown, Peace Coffee, and Kicking Horse), grind them fresh, and prepare it with a pour-over system for a cleaner, smoother taste.

How I drink it:
✅ Black most of the time.
✅ Occasionally with whole milk (for some fat to blunt any potential glucose impact).
✅ I aim to drink it later in the morning (though Daylight Savings makes that tricky!).

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🥥 3. Homemade Electrolyte Drink

I’ve moved away from store-bought electrolyte packets and now make my own hydrating, glucose-friendly blend.

My Recipe:
✔️ 6 cups organic coconut water
✔️ 2 cups filtered water
✔️ ½ tsp pink Himalayan salt (freshly ground)
✔️ 2 limes, juiced
✔️ 2 lemons, juiced

🍋 This combo gives me natural electrolytes, tastes refreshing, and doesn’t cause glucose spikes. If I want something simpler, I just mix water, salt, and a squeeze of lime.

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💧 4. Plain Coconut Water – In Moderation

Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, making it a great option for hydration. However, it does contain natural sugars, so I’m mindful of how much I drink.

How I use it:
✅ Post-workout hydration – A small serving to replenish electrolytes.
✅ Mixed into my homemade electrolyte drink for added minerals.

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🚰 5. High-Quality Filtered Water

Water is my baseline. I prioritize high-quality filtration to avoid contaminants and microplastics.
I use Boroux (similar to Berkey) for my home filtration system.

💡 Why it matters:
Recent studies show that microplastics have been found in the human placenta—a concerning reminder of how widespread they are in our water and food. This is why I prioritize filtered water over bottled whenever possible.

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Final Thoughts: Quality Over Convenience

What you drink impacts your hydration, glucose, and longevity more than you might think. Many so-called “healthy” drinks are filled with hidden sugars, artificial sweeteners, or blood sugar-spiking ingredients. By focusing on high-quality, simple beverages, you can fuel your body without unwanted side effects.

💬 What’s in your drink lineup? I’d love to hear what you’re sipping on and if you’ve found any surprising “health” drinks that didn’t live up to the label. Let me know in the comments or tag me on social!