Skinny Sips! 5 Healthy Low-Calorie Drinks for Weight Loss

We all know drinking water and staying hydrated is one of the simple and effective ways to improve our health. It keeps our bodies working properly, increases the number of calories we burn and just keeps things running smoothly. Of course, you can always just stick with water, the original and ultimate weight loss drink. According to Medical News Today, “Water is one of the most healthful drinks — it contains no calories, facilitates metabolic and physiologic processes and aids in detoxification, among many other benefits.”

But do you ever just get, well, sick of water? Sometimes we crave something with more punch and more flavor. Unfortunately, so many beverages are packed with unnecessary sugars and do nothing but slow us down. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of some skinny, low-calorie drinks that work with your diet and health rather than set them back.

1. Coffee

If reading this doesn’t immediately make you jump for joy, then we’re not sure what will! What better news than hearing that coffee can actually be good for weight loss? Obviously, it is ill-advised to load it up with sugary additives and flavorings. According to research by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, four cups of coffee per day has been shown to help with weight loss and decrease body fat by about four percent. Harvard Health also credits the caffeine in coffee with boosting stamina, helping people get to the gym and improving exercise endurance.

According to Healthline, the natural caffeine in coffee can actually increase metabolism and promote fat burning. It may also curb your appetite and help you eat less overall: “One study in 33 overweight adults found that those who drank coffee containing 6 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight consumed significantly fewer overall calories than those who drank less caffeine or no caffeine at all,” says Healthline. Coffee can also boost energy levels and improve your mood. So don’t feel bad as you reach for that second cup—just make sure you’re drinking water as well! Coffee counts towards your daily fluid intake on the South Beach Diet.

Learn more about coffee and weight loss here! >

2. Green Tea

According to Prevention, “Green teas have two major ingredients that aid in releasing weight: caffeine and antioxidants.” They explain that caffeine is a stimulant that has been shown to boost calorie burning and exercise performance. On the other hand, the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) also increases metabolism and “can help break down excess fat in the body.”

Healthline credits green tea with decreasing body weight and body fat, particularly in types that contain more catechins, which are antioxidants that increase fat burning and boost metabolism. The trendy green powder, matcha, is one such type of green tea that has higher amounts of catechins. Incorporate a daily tea time into your routine and enjoy the weight loss benefits of these low-calorie drinks! Green tea counts towards your daily fluid intake on the South Beach Diet.

Go green: Click here for five reasons to start drinking green tea ASAP! >

3. Low-Sugar Protein Powder

Whether you use a whey, pea or hemp protein powder, the effects seem to be the same: fullness. Protein is an amazing way to reduce hunger and feel fuller for longer. According to Medical News Today, “As a result, a person may consume fewer calories after a protein shake, and this could help with weight loss.” Protein also plays a vital role in your body’s cell functionality and ability to build muscle. Protein shakes are a healthy drink to add to your daily routine while getting good nutrients.

While protein powder isn’t as low in calories as these other beverages, it’s still possible to find a good option that’s under 200 calories per serving. Just be sure to check the nutrition label and avoid added sugars and other unhealthy ingredients. Wisely choosing the ingredients to go along with your protein powder is obviously important.

4. Healthy Low-Sugar Vegetable Juices

Sometimes making sure you get your recommended dose of vegetables each day can be difficult. Vegetable juice can help with that! Opting for a low-calorie vegetable juice can increase your vegetable intake and may even help you lose weight. According to Healthline, “In one study, adults who drank 16 ounces of low-sodium vegetable juice while following a low-calorie diet lost significantly more weight than those who did not.” They also mention that the study participants increase their veggie intake while decreasing their carb intake, which can also help with losing weight. Just avoid high-sugar ingredients and stick to low-calorie drinks like celery juice.

5. Black Tea

We’re finishing up this list of low-calorie drinks with another tasty tea! According to Healthline, black tea is high in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that may reduce body weight. Its rich flavor and color make it more appealing to some people. Plus, it can be consumed hot or cold and is a great weight loss drink. For a healthy alternative to sugar, add a slice of lemon for some additional flavors and aromas. If you need to add some sweetness, try a bit of stevia or monk fruit. Black tea counts towards your daily fluid intake on the South Beach Diet plan.