Q. I have noticed a lot of new drink products on the market called enhanced waters. What is in these and should I be choosing them as a healthy drink? Many seem to contain healthy vitamins.

A. This is an exploding category in the beverage market. The drinks are a cross between traditional sports drinks, calorie-free flavoured drinks and health supplement drinks and they vary significantly. First, if you are considering one, as always, read the label carefully. Some are all natural and do not have any artificial colouring, sweeteners, preservatives, etc. However, many do.

Also look at the calorie content: some of these beverages are high in calories, while others are calorie free. Make your decision based on that information, and then assess what health benefit you are gaining from them. For example, are there significant amounts of a vitamin or mineral that you are lacking? In many cases, these drinks can be a good way to stay hydrated in the hot summer and some taste good, but make sure you know what you’re getting and remember that you can hydrate best with water.

Q. What do you think of the 100-calorie packs available today that have only 100 calories in each “treat”?

A. I actually think they are brilliant. They conquer one of the major problems we have today – portion control! However, we still need to limit ourselves to one pack. I think that if you love chips, cookies, chocolate, ice cream, etc., then most people can safely indulge in one per day and without the risk of going overboard. Of course, you do need to still be a smart consumer here and read the labels: some have trans fat and tons of other artificial ingredients. Remember, too, that while these can satisfy a craving, they aren’t likely to fill you up, and you may still need to eat something else with it if this is your snack. Good choices would be fruit, raw vegetables, yogurt or nuts, so make sure there is room for that in your diet.

Q. I am pregnant and very nauseous. I am worried about what to eat, since I don’t feel much like eating. What can I do?

A. It’s hard to give advice without knowing your specific situation. You need to discuss this with your doctor, as well as how much you are vomiting. It is critical during pregnancy to ensure that you aren’t dehydrated.

Assuming that you are like many women who simply feel nauseous but rarely vomit, I can offer a few tips. In pregnancy, instead of thinking you need to eat for two, think of it as eating twice as healthy. When you do feel like eating, try to eat foods that are nutrient dense. Cold foods seem to be best tolerated because you avoid significant smells; so choose cheese, yogurt, milk, fruits and vegetables.

But you also need to eat what you feel like you want. I have been through this, and I know that you will not be successful if you force yourself to eat something that turns you off. Try to find a few reliable, healthy, nutrient-dense foods and go to those. I know for me, it was cheese and crackers and cantaloupe. Most important, however, is to remember to drink as much water or other liquids as possible, especially in the hot summer.

Lisa Weinberg is a registered dietitian/nutritionist in Toronto in private practice and at the Genesis Professional Group.