4 Alternatives To Unhealthy Drinks!

Diet soda, fizzy fruit juice drinks, vitamin-laden waters, ginger ale, (it’s got real ginger, right?) You’re seriously trying to be healthier when it comes to your beverage of choice. And I commend you. You’ve cut out soda. Maybe you’ve even cut out diet soda. You’re hydrating with water. But sometimes you just want a yummy, flavorful, fizzy drink! I get it. There are plenty of options out there but are your “better” choices actually better?

 

Case in point, every now and then I love to have a Grapefruit Izze. It’s crisp, cold, tart, yet sweet (maybe a little too sweet) but totally refreshing. It’s made with natural “choice” fruit juice; has no added sugar, no preservatives and no artificial ingredients. It must be good for you, right? I mean, the USDA declared it equal to a serving of fruit! Unfortunately, this fizzy fruit juice drink is just as sugar-laden as a regular soda—and so are many other “healthier” drink options.

Don’t despair. I have some great alternatives to keep your taste buds refreshed without worrying about your waistline:

1. La Croix: this calorie free, sodium-free, sugar-free sparkling water is a great alternative if you’re craving a fizzy fruity beverage. Flavored with essential oils this is an ideal for soda lovers who want something fizzy on a regular basis

     **Tip: not all sparkling sodas are created equal. Keep an eye out for added sugar, sodium, and flavors.

2. Kombucha: this “ancient fermented tea beverage” boasts high amounts of probiotics, antioxidants, and B vitamins as well as providing a natural fizziness. The sugar added to make Kombucha is not a sweetener, rather it feeds the bacteria allowing for fermentation yielding an ideal, low-sugar option for your bubbly beverage cravings.

     **Tip: Pay attention to sweeteners, juices, and other extracts added after fermentation that could secretly sabotage the health benefits.

3. Homemade Ginger Ale: I like the idea of homemade beverages. You control what goes in it and in your body. This recipe from Food Babe couldn’t be simpler:

• 2 inch piece fresh ginger, skin removed & chopped into chunks
• 12 oz. sparkling water
• ¼ lemon juiced
• 2 T. (or less) coconut nectar, raw local honey, or maple syrup

Blend all ingredients in a blender. Enjoy!

4. H2O! Refreshers: these homemade infused water recipes can be found in my Foods for Pain Relief Program. Creative fresh fruit combinations set in purified water add natural flavors, vitamins, and minerals to your beverage. Add some fizziness with a splash of sparkling water!
5. Watermelon Fizz

Cheers to happy taste buds and healthy tummies!

In Love & Gratitude,

Missi Holt