Assessing Beverages Using NEMS-V

The vast majority of healthy people can meet hydration needs by using thirst as a guide.  The Institute of Medicine does not specify exact requirements for water, but set general recommendations for women at approximately 91 ounces (about 11 cups) of total water -- from all beverages and foods -- each day, and men an average of approximately 125 ounces (about 15 cups) daily of total water. (IOM, Dietary Reference Intakes: Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. Consensus Report. Feb 11, 2004.)

Many offices have water fountains or water canteens. However, vending machines offer a variety of additional beverage choices. NEMS-V can assist your workplace in offering a variety of healthy beverage options.

View NEMS-V beverage color coding criteria.

View examples of beverages that meet green, yellow and red categories.

View suggestions on changing red foods to green.

Iowa Department of Public Health