If you drink a glass of juice at breakfast, a soda at lunch, and a beer at dinner that's about 460 calories... a big chunk of your 2500 calorie allotment for the day.

Personally, I'd rather spend my calories on food, so I drink mostly water. You may have heard the recommendation to drink eight 8 oz glasses of water each day. I would float, if I drank that much water. Fortunately, the water in other beverages and foods count towards the 64 oz daily recommendation.

Although there's debate about whether or not caffeinated beverages (sodas, coffee, tea) count towards the fluid requirement. Caffeine is a diuretic (it makes you pee a lot), so you may lose fluid. Limit coffee, caffeinated teas, and colas to a couple cups/glasses per day or drink additional fluids to compensate for the possible fluid loss.

Coffee and tea have no calories, until you add cream or sugar. Diet sodas have no calories, but diet colas still contain caffeine. Of course if a diet soda makes you have an irresistible craving for potato chips or peanut M&Ms, then you need to consider those calories as part of the deal.

An important thing to remember is not to wait until you're thirsty to drink. In a lot of cases, you're already dehydrated before you get thirsty. This is especially true as we age and our thirst mechanism becomes less sensitive. Drink before you're thirsty and drink more than usual when it's hot or when you exercise.

If you're hungry, drink a glass of water first. Sometimes what seems like hunger is actually thirst.

Juices and low-fat milk are generally worth the calories they contain, because they provide important vitamins and minerals. If you're trying to gain weight, fruit smoothies and low-fat milk shakes are a good way to add some calories and nutrition to your diet.

Energy drinks and sports drinks aren't necessary for most people. Keep in mind that Gatorade was developed for University of Florida football players who had to run around in full football gear in 95 degree weather. If your workout consists of 30 minutes on a treadmill in an air conditioned gym, water is probably all you need.

Alcoholic beverages provide a lot of calories and not many nutrients. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day. A drink is 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1 1/2 ounces distilled liquor. Visit our Moderation page for more about alcoholic beverages.

If you're trying to lose weight, cutting back on alcoholic beverages can be an easy way to reduce your calories without feeling hungry. Also, keep in mind that alcoholic beverages often make us want companion foods that are high in fat and calories. Think beer and nuts, margaritas and chips, and wine and cheese.

Water is your best beverage choice.

If you drink milk, choose 1% or skim to reduce fat.

Choose 100% juice over juice "drinks" that may contain little juice.

Drink coffee, soda, and alcohol in moderation.