As the temperatures climb, you may find yourself reaching for a cold soda or juice. Although these are likely to taste delicious when you are hot and sweaty, they are also loaded with sugar, chemicals, and calories that can derail your weight loss. Think of it this way, a single can of Coke contains around 150 calories. In order to burn these calories off, you would have to run or walk at least a mile. When you put it in perspective like this, it hardly seems worth it.
Luckily, there are tons of refreshing summer drinks that you can make that can make you feel better on a hot day and be gentle on your waistline at the same time! Below you will find a list of our favorite summer drinks. They are cheap and easy to make at home and you can carry them with you wherever you go. This means that you don’t have to buy expensive bottled drinks when you are out and about which is better for your wallet and the planet.
Cucumber Water
Cooling and detoxifying, you can’t get a better drink than cucumber water! You simply need to peel the skin off of a cucumber and toss it into your water bottle. The nutrients in the cucumber will diffuse into your water, giving you a tasty, refreshing drink all day long. Throw away or munch on the cucumber slices at the end of the day if you want and start with a fresh one in the morning.
Iced Tea
Any Southerner you meet is likely to swear that iced tea is the perfect summer drink. Easy to make, iced tea can not only help keep you hydrated but it also boosts your heart health and can help you de-stress. Most of the bottled iced tea that you buy is loaded with sugar so make sure that you make your own at home or buy sugar-free alternatives.
Lemon and Ginger Water
Made with lemons, fresh sliced ginger, and ground turmeric, lemon ginger water adds a bit of spice to your life! Ginger is helpful for some GI issues while turmeric is an all-around health booster. If you aren’t a fan of ginger or are looking for something a bit smoother, you can swap it for mint.
Hibiscus Tea
One of the most popular summer drinks in Mexico, hibiscus water (also known as Jamaica) is delicious with a cranberry-like taste while being high in antioxidants. Like most teas, hibiscus tea is made by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant. It can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for a hot summer day or a chilly evening.
Grapefruit Water
Adding slices of grapefruit to your water is a great way to increase your metabolism and it can add a natural sweetness to your water that is much healthier than sugar or aspartame. Plus, it can be very refreshing on a hot day!
Are you ready to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle?
If you have been struggling with excess weight and are ready to take the next steps towards a healthier you, schedule a free medical evaluation with our team of weight loss experts. They can help you set up a weight loss plan that works for you!
