You should always drive up from the center of your foot, or
heel, never from your toes, and never lift off. This may be a sign
of mobility/flexibility problems either at the ankle or at the
hips.
As for drinks, stick to water and other 0 calorie drinks that are
artificial sweetener free, i.e. water, unsweetened teas and
coffees. Eat fruits instead of drinking fruit juices. They're much
healthier.