3 Low-Calorie Beverages Dietitians Say You Can Drink Non-Stop While Trying To Lose Weight
June 15, 2022 by Faith Geiger
We all know staying hydrated is crucial to our wellbeing—and the best thing to do to stay hydrated is to sip on some good old water all day. However, let’s be honest: sometimes the taste of water just doesn’t hit the spot. If you’re someone who loves a tasty beverage, you might be opting for soda, sugary fruit juices, or sweetened coffees throughout the day. Unfortunately, this can take a serious toll on your health over time and can make it extremely difficult to lose weight. Don’t fret, though! There are plenty of delicious, low-calorie beverages that can aid weight loss and please your taste buds.
To discover some of the best drinks you can sip on constantly if you want to lose weight, we checked in with Registered Dietitians Bill Bradley, RD, CEO of Mediterranean Living, and Amanda Lane, MS, RD, CDCES, Founder of Healthful Lane Nutrition. They told us about three of their favorite options: green tea, flavored sparkling water, and vegetable juice..
1. Green Tea
When it comes to healthy, metabolism-boosting beverages, green tea is just about as good as it gets. Not only is this antioxidant-rich drink zero-calorie, but it's also packed with health benefits, which is why Bradley says its one of the best low-calorie beverages people trying to lose weight can drink. "This is because it's rich in catechins," he explains. "They are antioxidants that increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate." Bradley also points out that the caffeine in green tea can "boost energy and improve physical performance when doing workouts."
The benefits don't stop there, though. Green tea also contains polyphenols, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and can even fight cancer. Sign us up!
2. Carbonated Flavored Water
For another delicious, zero-calorie option that doesn't lack in the flavor department, Lane suggests grabbing a can of sparkling water. "Carbonated flavored water is my favorite low-calorie go-to," she says, noting that "these beverages of zero calories while still packing in the flavor of the less healthy alternatives."
This beverage is a perfect option for anyone who wants to stay hydrated but fines plain old water just a bit boring; you can sip to your heart's content without worrying about the calorie or sugar intake. Plus, there are so many flavors to choose from. Lane's favorite brands include Waterloo and San Pellegrino Essenza. Yum!
3. Vegetable Juice
If you're a juice-lover, switching from sugary fruit varieties to a healthier alternative like vegetable juice is a great idea—especially if you're trying to lose weight. In fact, this is one of Bradley's top low-calorie beverage recommendations.
"Unlike fruit juices that are high in sugar, vegetable juice is a low-carb drink," he explains. Not only is this beverage low-calorie and low-sugar, but it also offers numerous health benefits. "[Vegetable juice is] rich in essential nutrients to keep you healthy," Bradley says, adding that "vegetables are also fiber-rich, which can help you feel full for longer." That means you'll be less likely to snack and overeat later in the day. Perfect! We're investing in a juicer ASAP