One of the best parts of summertime is cooling down with a glass of cold drink under the shade and away from the heat. Some of the best flavors of drinks are made during the summertime, such as lemonade, iced teas, and iced coffees. With all these great summer drinks, it’s difficult to find one that’s healthy, especially if you’re trying to slim down. Water is extremely important for us in general, especially to stay hydrated in the summer, but these sweet beverages can have tons of added sugar, artificial colors, and are associated with weight gain, obesity, and diabetes.
To find out one surprising sweet summer drink dietitians approve of when trying to slim down, we asked Trista Best, dietitian from Balance One Supplements, and Lisa Richards, nutritionist from The Candida Diet, on what they recommend as the sweet summer drink you can sip on while slimming down. They suggested fruit-infused water as the top choice for various reasons. Read more on this below.
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Fruit-Infused Water
Besides being an aesthetically pleasing drink to look at, fruit-infused water can be a good source of a natural, nutrient-rich drink. Richards says, "Fruit-infused water makes a flavorful alternative for calorie-laden snacks and sugary drinks, thereby reducing cravings and promoting a sense of fullness. The natural flavors derived from fruits help curb the desire for sweet treats, facilitating portion control and calorie management."
Hydration, low calories, and flavor are some of the main reasons you should start making fruit-infused water a regular part of your summer days. As Best states, "Drinking enough water can help reduce water retention, promote efficient metabolism, and maintain proper bodily functions. Fruit-infused water can make hydration more enjoyable, encouraging you to drink more water throughout the day."
When compared to unhealthy beverages such as soda or sweetened fruit juices, fruit-infused water is generally low in calories. "By choosing fruit-infused water over calorie-dense drinks, you can reduce your overall calorie intake and potentially create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss," Best notes.
If those weren't enough reasons to start sipping on this refreshing beverage, you might be excited to hear that this healthy drink is just as flavorful and satisfying; quenching your thirst shouldn't be a problem here! "Fruit-infused water can provide a subtle, refreshing flavor without adding excessive calories or sugar. This can help satisfy your taste buds and make it easier to opt for healthier choices over high-calorie options," Best tells us.
Fruit-Infused Water Recipes
Another great thing about this delicious drink is how easy it is to make. Simply gather your favorite fruits, throw them into a pitcher, mash the fruits a little to release some of their juices, add cold water, and leave it inside the fridge for a few hours.
Best shares some of the most popular fruits we can incorporate, such as citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits), berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), watermelon, pineapple, and even cucumber (technically a fruit but often used in savory infusions)! As an added tip, you can try adding mint or basil leaves for added flavor and a beautiful garnish.
