Summer is right around the corner, and the weather is going to really start to heat up, so it’s important to remind ourselves to stay hydrated. Unfortunately, bad drink choices can really affect your waistline. Because you don’t typically compensate by eating less food, sugary drinks are additional calories added to what you are already eating. Some ‘healthy juices’ can even be as bad for you as a soda because of added sugar.
Unsurprisingly, water is always the best choice if you want to quench your thirst. But when you need something more than tasteless plain old water, make a good choice and grab for one of these healthy alternatives.
1. Pure, Unsweetened Iced Tea
At zero calories, it's mostly water—but has a delicious refreshing taste when it's brewed with fresh, real tea leaves. Pure tea also contains healthy compounds to boost concentration and fight diseases. Just remember to seek out the unsweetened version in order to avoid the extra sugar and calories.
2. Naked Green Machine
A mix of apples, kiwi, and mango makes this juice taste great and sweet even with the veggies hidden inside. Just watch how much you drink, since one bottle is two servings. It’s a thick consistency, so you could even dilute it with water. One bottle could last you all day and you would get extra water intake, which is a huge plus.
3. Coconut Water
Not only is coconut water already naturally sweetened, but it also offers electrolytes to help you rehydrate. Vita Coco 100% Pure Coconut Water is a ‘healthy drink’ thats actually healthy. It will keep you hydrated all day and have a sweet drinkable taste you can actually enjoy. It also contains just 90 calories per bottle.
4. Low-Sodium V8
It’s hard to eat a lot of fresh veggies everyday, especially with a busy lifestyle. With no sugar added and eight vegetables inside, just one bottle counts toward your five recommended daily servings.