The Best Low-Calorie Drinks to Enjoy While Losing Weight

But don’t worry, there are plenty of low-calorie drinks that can quench your thirst, boost your metabolism, and support your weight loss goals. Here are some of the best drinks for weight loss, according to dietitians and research.

Water

Water is the ultimate low-calorie drink, as it has zero calories and can keep you hydrated throughout the day. Hydration is essential for weight loss, as it can help you feel full, flush out toxins, and improve your digestion. Water can also help you burn more calories by increasing your resting energy expenditure1.

To make water more interesting, you can add some lemon juice, cucumber slices, mint leaves, or berries to infuse it with flavor and antioxidants. You can also drink sparkling water or seltzer water if you prefer some fizz.

Coffee

Coffee is not only a great way to start your day, but also a great drink for weight loss. Coffee contains caffeine, which can stimulate your nervous system, increase your metabolism, and suppress your appetite2. Coffee also has antioxidants and polyphenols that can protect your cells from damage and inflammation.

However, not all coffee drinks are created equal. To keep your coffee low in calories, avoid adding sugar, cream, whipped cream, or flavored syrups. Instead, opt for black coffee or coffee with a splash of low-fat milk or plant-based milk. You can also add some cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra flavor and health benefits.

Green Tea

Green tea is another caffeinated drink that can help you lose weight. Green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that can boost your metabolism and fat oxidation3. Green tea also has L-theanine, an amino acid that can reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Like coffee, green tea is best consumed plain or with a touch of honey or lemon. You can also try matcha green tea, which is a powdered form of green tea that has more catechins and caffeine than regular green tea.

Vegetable Juice

Vegetable juice is a great way to get more vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals from vegetables without adding too many calories. Vegetable juice can also help you feel full and reduce your appetite4. Some of the best vegetables to juice for weight loss are celery, cucumber, kale, spinach, beetroot, carrot, and tomato.

However, be careful not to overdo it with vegetable juice, as it can still contain some natural sugars and sodium. You should also avoid store-bought vegetable juices that may have added sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Instead, make your own vegetable juice at home with fresh produce and a juicer or blender.

Smoothies

Smoothies are another delicious way to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Smoothies can provide you with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants that can support your weight loss and overall health. You can also customize your smoothies with different ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences.

However, not all smoothies are low in calories. To make your smoothies more weight-loss friendly, use water or unsweetened plant-based milk as the base instead of juice or dairy milk. You should also limit the amount of fruits you use and add more greens or other low-sugar vegetables. You can also add some protein powder, nuts, seeds, or yogurt to boost the protein and healthy fat content of your smoothies.

Low-Calorie Cocktails

If you enjoy drinking alcohol occasionally, you don’t have to give it up completely to lose weight. However, you should be mindful of the type and amount of alcohol you drink, as alcohol can provide empty calories and impair your judgment and metabolism5.

Some of the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks include spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, and rum, which have around 95 to 110 calories per shot. However, they can have more calories when mixed with other ingredients. Dry white wines such as pinot blanc, chardonnay, pinot grigio, and sauvignon blanc are also low in calories, as well as vodka soda with unflavored club soda. You should avoid drinks that are mixed with simple sugar, such as margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos, or sangria. You should also limit yourself to one or two drinks per occasion and drink plenty of water in between.

Conclusion

Drinking low-calorie drinks can help you lose weight by reducing your calorie intake, increasing your metabolism, and keeping you hydrated. However, you should also pay attention to the quality and quantity of the drinks you consume, as well as the ingredients you add to them. You should also balance your drinking habits with a healthy diet and exercise routine for optimal results.