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Many of us love sugary drinks, and sit inordinate amounts of time[1]. Things aren't looking up if we don't change attitude. We all feel indestructible in our 2

Many of us love sugary drinks, and sit inordinate amounts of time[1]. Things aren't looking up if we don't change attitude. We all feel indestructible in our 20s, but soon enough, we'll have to pay the Pied Piper. I hope the next generation of startups will offer healthier perks than redbulls, soft drinks, and sugary snacks. [1] http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3874024 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3874024

wonnage 14y ago
My startup (WellnessFX) is one of those with healthier perks. Granted, we're a health company, so it'd be a little hypocritical if we were snacking on Doritos all day... Most of our snack cabinet consists of bulk nuts and dried fruits - probably not much more expensive (if at all) than the usual junk. We've also replaced the soda with coconut water, kombucha, and a water filter on the sink. Coming from a previous job with weekly Mountain Dew and Costco snack pack shipments, the transition was a bit jarring. I still hate kombucha. But I've found most of the snacking I do while working is fairly mindless, anyway - might as well snack on pistachios instead of popcorn. Anyways, enough shilling from me - just wanted to let people know there are alternatives!
- rollypolly 14y ago
  Kudos on the filtered water over bottled water. It's both economical and environmentally friendly.
mahyarm 14y ago
I agree. I would of been very interested in a startup that offered ketogenic meal options and treadmill desks. Right now a treadmill desk would be too disturbing to my coworkers, and I got to do the meals myself since they're so specific. Instead of sugary drinks, you can try creamy drinks and butter coffee/tea (it sounds gross, but is actually very tasty). That and a sparkling water dispenser would satisfy most my desire for drinks to be honest. http://www.bulletproofexec.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulletproof-and-your-morning-too/ http://www.bulletproofexec.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulle... http://iphonedevelopment.blogspot.com/2011/12/brilliantly-simple-idea-treadmill-desk.html http://iphonedevelopment.blogspot.com/2011/12/brilliantly-si...
- doktrin 14y ago
  I'm a big fan of lemon water. I personally use a lemon press to squeeze half a lemon into a tall glass of water. It tastes great and is quite refreshing, and often does the trick when fighting a sweet tooth craving.
  - Produce 14y ago
    Wouldn't this result in the dentin on your teeth being eroded all day?
    - doktrin 14y ago
      I think anything in excess (lemon water included) is probably going to have unpleasant side effects. I personally don't drink more than 1-2 glasses a day. I certainly wouldn't encourage that anyone replace water with lemon water - but it's really just lemonade without the added sugar. Lemonade is of course not particularly great for your teeth in excess - but no worse than gatorade. Sugar is also famously not great for teeth, and therefore lemon water is less damaging - in equal volume - than lemonade. What's also particularly important with regards to dental health is how long a given substance lingers in the mouth. Drinking a glass of lemon juice isn't the same as swishing it around for 20 seconds. TLDR; No.
- pyre 14y ago
  Carbonated water is still acidic and not that great for your teeth.

wonnage 14y ago

My startup (WellnessFX) is one of those with healthier perks. Granted, we're a health company, so it'd be a little hypocritical if we were snacking on Doritos all day... Most of our snack cabinet consists of bulk nuts and dried fruits - probably not much more expensive (if at all) than the usual junk. We've also replaced the soda with coconut water, kombucha, and a water filter on the sink. Coming from a previous job with weekly Mountain Dew and Costco snack pack shipments, the transition was a bit jarring. I still hate kombucha. But I've found most of the snacking I do while working is fairly mindless, anyway - might as well snack on pistachios instead of popcorn. Anyways, enough shilling from me - just wanted to let people know there are alternatives!

rollypolly 14y ago
Kudos on the filtered water over bottled water. It's both economical and environmentally friendly.

mahyarm 14y ago

I agree. I would of been very interested in a startup that offered ketogenic meal options and treadmill desks. Right now a treadmill desk would be too disturbing to my coworkers, and I got to do the meals myself since they're so specific. Instead of sugary drinks, you can try creamy drinks and butter coffee/tea (it sounds gross, but is actually very tasty). That and a sparkling water dispenser would satisfy most my desire for drinks to be honest. http://www.bulletproofexec.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulletproof-and-your-morning-too/ http://www.bulletproofexec.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulle... http://iphonedevelopment.blogspot.com/2011/12/brilliantly-simple-idea-treadmill-desk.html http://iphonedevelopment.blogspot.com/2011/12/brilliantly-si...

doktrin 14y ago
I'm a big fan of lemon water. I personally use a lemon press to squeeze half a lemon into a tall glass of water. It tastes great and is quite refreshing, and often does the trick when fighting a sweet tooth craving.
- Produce 14y ago
  Wouldn't this result in the dentin on your teeth being eroded all day?
  - doktrin 14y ago
    I think anything in excess (lemon water included) is probably going to have unpleasant side effects. I personally don't drink more than 1-2 glasses a day. I certainly wouldn't encourage that anyone replace water with lemon water - but it's really just lemonade without the added sugar. Lemonade is of course not particularly great for your teeth in excess - but no worse than gatorade. Sugar is also famously not great for teeth, and therefore lemon water is less damaging - in equal volume - than lemonade. What's also particularly important with regards to dental health is how long a given substance lingers in the mouth. Drinking a glass of lemon juice isn't the same as swishing it around for 20 seconds. TLDR; No.
pyre 14y ago
Carbonated water is still acidic and not that great for your teeth.