Winters are gone and finally, it’s time to lose all that weight we used to hide under our sweaters and jackets. While workouts, diet, and swimming can help you get in shape, a major part of summer is icy, refreshing drinks. Be it soda, mocktails, cocktails, soft drinks, lemonade, or iced coffee, we all need something to beat the heat. But can one drink ruin all the effort you put in at the gym or yoga sessions? no way. So, make sure to choose healthy options while preparing summer beverages. And if you’re confused about how to make summer beverages healthier, don’t worry, we have some amazing suggestions for you.
Here are 5 easy tips to make your summer drinks healthier:
1. Use fresh ingredients
Fresh ingredients like fruits and herbs can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your drink. Instead of using artificial flavors, try adding slices of fresh lemon or lime to your water for a citrusy flavor. You can also add berries, cucumber, or mint to water for freshness without added calories or sugar.
2. Reduce sugar intake
Excessive sugar consumption can cause various health problems. By reducing the amount of added sugar in your beverages, you can reduce your calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. Instead of using sweet-flavored syrup in your iced coffee, opt for unsweetened almond milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor.
3. Include hydrating ingredients
We all know that summer heat can lead to dehydration. So it is important to include hydrating elements in your beverages. Add cucumber or watermelon slices to a pitcher of water, or add mint and lemon to water to stay properly hydrated.
4. Explore Herbal Options
Herbal tea is soothing and provides various health benefits. You can prepare herbal teas like hibiscus, chamomile or ginger tea. Make sure to chill them well with ice and a slice of lemon before serving. They will definitely make a healthy addition to your summer diet and taste quite delicious too.
5. View your mixer
When making cocktails or mocktails, choose mixers wisely to avoid unnecessary calories and sugars. For example, using fresh fruit puree or mashed fruits with soda water instead of sweet syrup can result in a lighter and more nutritious drink.