Hansen's Fruit Stix

In January of this year I began adopting a new “healthy living” plan that includes diet, exercise, physicial, mental and spiritual health. With my friend Nancy we get together every week, compare notes and help one another through the “ups and downs” of changing one’s lifestyle. We all know that living healthier also involves drinking enough water and staying hydrated. Well and good and I don’t have anything against water, per sey, but I have to say, I do get tired of only drinking water.

So, I started looking at all the water flavor enhancers and all that good stuff. Most have aspartame, sucralose or some other artificial sweetener that is not only not digestable or brain “friendly.” Hmmm, that does not work either, so back to the drawing board.

I tried a squeeze of fresh lemon, fresh lime and even peaches but it wasn’t doing the trick. Then, last week I discovered in my local grocery store Hansen’s Fruit Stix. No artificial sweetener and is made with Truvia, a natural sugar from stevia extract. While I’m not crazy about the cellulose that Truvia has in it, I don’t think there’s enough in this product to warrant not using it. I picked up the Natural Berry flavor and love it!

Here’s the “skinny” (yes, pun intended!):

• Packaged in individual serving stix

• Serving size: ½ packet = 8 oz

• Calories: 5 per each 8 oz

• Dissolves easily in a 16 oz water bottle

• Fat / Sodium / Sugars / Protein = 0 g

• Total Carb = 1 g

The only drawback I see is that if you spill the drink after it’s mixed, it does stain your hands, clothing or anything that it comes in contact with. You can find Hansen’s in most local grocery stores or online with Amazon.com.