Water tops the list of healthy drinks. It keeps the body hydrated and helps flush out toxins. Still, when plain water feels dull, there are better choices than sodas or artificially sweetened beverages. After all, our bodies are largely composed of H2O.
“Water is the best thing we can give our body and it’s the foundation of every beverage,” says Kristin Avagliano, a health and weight-loss coach who founded Create My Weight in Delray Beach. “Nature has an amazing way of keeping us hydrated from the earth. So, it’s not what’s a healthier alternative; it’s what we put in our water that makes it healthy.”
Here are some refreshing ways to hydrate beyond water:
Homemade Lemonade
Avagliano makes her own lemonade by squeezing fresh lemons and adding stevia, a sugar substitute from the stevia plant that contains no calories or carbs. Look for pure stevia without additives. Monk fruit, a small, round fruit, is an alternative to stevia, though it can be pricey.
Green Tea
Green tea is loaded with flavonoids, such as ECGC, a powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid varieties high in sugar, such as those sold at coffee shops. If sipping a cup before bed, choose a decaffeinated option.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented sweet tea made through an ancient preservation process in which sugars and starches are broken down by bacteria and yeast. This fizzy drink boosts your gut’s probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that support digestion. Fermented foods can help restore balance in the gut, make food easier to digest and reduce bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. They may also improve sleep and strengthen the immune system, lowering the risk of colds and infections. Kombucha has even been linked anecdotally to weight loss, though it can be high in sugar.
Coconut Water
Electrolytes are essential for keeping the body healthy. Instead of reaching for a sugar- and chemical-laden sports drink such as Gatorade, try coconut water (also called coconut juice), the liquid inside a coconut. “It’s nature’s electrolyte,” Avagliano says. Coconut water is relatively low in calories and sugar yet rich in minerals and electrolytes. It can even be used as a cocktail mixer with spirits such as tequila.