If you’re not a fan of drinking water, this article will show you clean eating drinks that will keep you hydrated all the time.
I’ve talked about the importance of drinking 2-3 liters of water a day. But not everyone can drink 3 liters of water every day without getting bored. Tasty beverages, on the other hand, aren’t so boring.
These ‘clean’ drinks contain nutrients and are low in calories. Other than keeping you hydrated, they’ll keep hunger at bay and improve your health.
20 clean eating drinks besides water
Cool clean drinks
Drinking cold drinks is a great way to cool your body during the hot season. Unfortunately, most refreshing summer drinks are loaded with sugar. This summer you can enjoy cold sugar-free beverages without guilt.
Lemon juice
Add flavor to your water by squeezing lemon into it. Alternatively, you can put thin slices of lemons into a glass of water and store the mixture in a refrigerator overnight.
Besides keeping you hydrated, this drink will improve your insulin sensitivity and blood circulation, research shows. Note that lemon water can also be enjoyed hot.
Strawberry water
Drinking fruit-infused water is a great way to stay hydrated. And the best thing is the recipes take less than 5 minutes to prep.
To make strawberry water, simply mix a half cup of sliced strawberries with a glass of water then refrigerate the mixture for 6 hours or overnight. Here are more fruit-infused water recipes.
Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. Research shows that this fruit can fight prostate and breast cancer, low blood pressure, arthritis, and inflammation.
Follow these instructions when making pomegranate juice.
Beet juice
There are many reasons to love beet juice. It can help you boost exercise stamina, improve muscle power, slow dementia progression and help you lose weight.
Chances are you won’t find fresh beet juice in the supermarket. So make homemade beet juice.
Iced teas
Herbal or flavored tea can keep you cool in the summer when served on the rocks. Unsweetened iced tea basically has zero calories.
You may also want to try iced coffee. It will increase your alertness and boost workout performance.
Coconut water
Coconut water has become very popular in recent years. And it’s for a good reason. This nutrient-rich beverage has been proven to improve blood sugar levels in diabetics, prevent kidney stones, and improve heart health.
When you go to the supermarket remember to choose unflavored and unsweetened coconut water.
Green smoothies
Smoothies allow us to get the nutrients in fruits and veggies with ease. Smoothies are better than real food because they’re easier to digest, increase energy fast and keep us hydrated.
If you think all green smoothies taste bad, think again. Here are simple and delicious breakfast smoothies you should try.
Carrot juice
Vegetable juice is also a great alternative, even though it lacks fiber. But it contains nutrients which are easily absorbed into the body.
Research shows that carrot juice can improve your eye health, lower risk of cancer, and improve brain function. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make carrot juice. You may also want to try kale juice.
Hot clean drinks
Want to stay hydrated and warm during the cold season? Drinking hot beverages is the way to go.
Here are simple hot clean drinks you should drink regularly.
Ginger water
This is one of my favorite drinks. To make it simply put a cup of water in a saucepan and add grated ginger. Heat the water until it boils then strain the mixture and enjoy. Feel free to add lemon and/or garlic.
This drink can help fight inflammation, nausea, and cancer, and improve digestion.
Coffee
Some people think coffee is bad, but it’s not. Research shows that it can improve brain function, help you burn fat, boost physical performance, lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, reduce the risk of diabetes and fight depression. It is, for this reason, many energy drinks contain it.
But realize that high caffeine intake can cause anxiety, insomnia, and other negative side effects. Don’t drink more than 4-5 cups of coffee a day. This may vary from person to person depending on caffeine sensitivity.
Stick to black coffee and don’t add sweeteners. I may also note that pregnant women should reduce or avoid coffee intake.
Green tea
Green tea is one of the healthiest water substitutes you will ever drink. It contains bioactive compounds that will improve your health and lower risk of diseases.
You should also drink it in moderation since it contains caffeine. Here are other herbal tea infusions you should try.
Hot cocoa
Hot cocoa should definitely be on your list of clean eating drinks. It has potent antioxidant properties. Research shows it can improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. Plus, some studies show that hot cocoa can reduce menstrual pains.
Hot turmeric milk
Turmeric contains a powerful compound called curcumin. This compound has been proven to fight different diseases including arthritis and cancer.
This may not be a quick-fix drink but it’s worth the effort. Here’s how to make hot turmeric milk.
Cinnamon tea
Drinking cinnamon tea is an easy way to add this powerful spice to your diet. Research shows that it regulates blood sugar levels and it can help you burn fat.
To make this drink you only need a stick of cinnamon, hot water, and honey (optional).
Clean alcoholic drinks
We all know that alcohol is not for weight loss and overall health. It’s high in calories and lacks nutrients. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. But not all alcoholic drinks are bad for you. Some contain beneficial nutrients and are low in calories.
Here are clean alcoholic drinks you can enjoy without guilt.
Red wine
You’ve probably heard that red wine is good for you. It contains antioxidants which fight free radicals and consequently reduces inflammation, research shows.
But drinking too much wine can damage your liver, especially if you drink cheaper fortified wine. Aim to drink 1-2 glasses a day. White wine is also healthy but it contains fewer antioxidants compared to red wine.
Mojito
Mojito is good for you as long as you don’t add sugar syrup. A glass contains about 92 calories. Here’s how to make a healthy mojito drink.
Spirits
Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whisky, and brandy are low-calorie alcoholic drinks. They contain about 65 calories per serving. Squeeze lemons or lime into your spirits instead of mixing them with sodas.
Champagne
Champagne contains 84 calories per serving. And it contains antioxidants that fight inflammation and improve blood circulation.
Light beer
Light beer contains less alcohol, calories, and carbs than regular beer. But realize that moderation is important. Most people who drink light beer get a buzz which makes them drink more and more.
Now, that you know the best clean eating drinks besides water. Here are drinks you should avoid.
Worst clean eating drinks
- Soda: This is one of the unhealthiest drinks. It contains lots of sugar and artificial sweeteners. It has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
- Diet soda: It contains artificial sweeteners that can ruin your health. Aspartame (an ingredient in diet soda) has been linked to cancer, depression, diabetes and so on.
- Fresh fruit juice: Fresh juice contains as much sugar as soda, per gram. Instead of drinking fruit juice eat whole fruits.
- Sports drinks: These drinks contain lots of sugar and artificial flavors which have no health benefits.
- Carbonated water: Research shows that sparkling (carbonated) water can ruin your dental health.
Final word
I know that drinking water all the time can be boring. Now you have a variety of drinks to keep you hydrated in the hot and cold seasons. Just make sure you don’t add sweeteners to these beverages.
Did I leave out any clean eating drinks?
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