When it comes to weight loss, what you eat matters, but what you drink is just as important. Beverages can be a sneaky source of calories, sugar, and artificial ingredients.

However, if you choose the right drinks, they can also help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism, suppressing your appetite, and hydrating your body.

In this ultimate beverage guide, you’ll learn about the best drinks for weight loss, the worst drinks to avoid, and how to make healthier choices when it comes to what you drink.

The Best Drinks for Weight Loss

Water

When it comes to weight loss, water should be your go-to drink. Not only does it have zero calories, but it also helps to flush out toxins, hydrate your body, and boost your metabolism.

The recommended amount is 64 ounces of water per day, but if you’re trying to lose weight, you should aim for at least 8-10 glasses per day.

Green Tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants and catechins, which have been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning. Drinking 3-4 cups of green tea per day can help you lose weight and improve your overall health.

Black Coffee

Coffee is often demonized for its caffeine content, but in moderation, black coffee can actually be a helpful weight loss aid. It boosts metabolism, suppresses appetite, and can even enhance athletic performance.

However, it’s important to avoid adding sugar, cream, or other unhealthy additives to your coffee. Stick to black coffee or add a splash of unsweetened almond milk for a healthier option.

Vegetable Juice

Vegetable juice is a nutrient-dense drink that can help you lose weight and boost your health. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which helps to fill you up and keep you full longer.

When choosing vegetable juice, make sure to avoid brands that are high in sugar or additives. You can also try making your own vegetable juice with a juicer or blender.

Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are a convenient and easy way to get more protein in your diet, which is essential for building muscle and burning fat. They also help to fill you up and keep you full longer, which can help you eat less throughout the day.

When choosing a protein shake, make sure to choose a brand that’s low in sugar and artificial ingredients. You can also try making your own protein shake with protein powder, unsweetened almond milk, and fruit.

The Worst Drinks to Avoid

Soda

Soda is one of the worst drinks for weight loss because it’s loaded with sugar and calories. A 12-ounce can of soda can contain up to 9 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories.

Drinking soda regularly is linked to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s best to avoid soda altogether.

Juice

While juice may seem like a healthy choice, it’s often packed with sugar and calories. A 12-ounce glass of juice can contain up to 12 teaspoons of sugar and 180 calories.

If you want the nutritional benefits of fruit, it’s best to eat the whole fruit instead of drinking juice.

If you do choose to drink juice, make sure to choose a brand that’s low in sugar and additives, or try making your own juice with a juicer or blender.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are often marketed as a healthy choice for athletes, but in reality, they’re loaded with sugar and calories. A 12-ounce bottle of sports drink can contain up to 8 teaspoons of sugar and 90 calories.

Unless you’re engaging in high-intensity exercise for over an hour, you don’t need a sports drink to replenish fluids and electrolytes. Water is the best choice for hydrating your body during exercise.

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are one of the worst drinks for weight loss because they’re packed with sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants. A 16-ounce can of energy drink can contain up to 62 grams of sugar and 200 calories.

Drinking energy drinks regularly is linked to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems. If you need a quick energy boost, try drinking black coffee or green tea instead.

Tips for Making Healthier Beverage Choices

Read Labels

When choosing beverages, make sure to read the nutrition labels and ingredient lists carefully. Look for drinks that are low in sugar and calories, and avoid brands that contain artificial ingredients or high fructose corn syrup.

Avoid Added Sugar

Added sugar is one of the main culprits of weight gain and poor health. When choosing beverages, avoid brands that contain added sugar or sweeteners, and choose natural sweeteners like stevia or honey instead.

Make Your Own Drinks

Making your own drinks at home is a great way to control the ingredients and avoid unhealthy additives. Try making your own vegetable juice, smoothies, or tea blends at home with fresh, whole ingredients.

Limit Alcohol

Alcohol is a sneaky source of calories and can quickly derail your weight loss efforts. Limit your intake of alcohol or choose low-calorie options like wine or spritzers.

Conclusion

When it comes to weight loss, what you drink is just as important as what you eat. By choosing the right drinks and avoiding the worst drinks, you can boost your metabolism, suppress your appetite, and hydrate your body.

Remember to read labels carefully, avoid added sugar, make your own drinks, and limit your intake of alcohol. By following these tips and making healthier choices, you can drink your way to weight loss and achieve your goals.