You probably know by now that soda isn’t good for you. This counts for both the sweetened and unsweetened versions. With the former containing over the daily amount of sugar for a person in one can, and the latter leading to a perceived calorie deficit by the body, something that encourages overeating.
However, while simply switching from soda to H20 may work for some, the rest of us still want a drink that is flavourful and that we can enjoy. The good news is there are a wide variety of options that will quench your thirst, and that is much healthier than soda too. Read on to find out what they are.
Coconut water
The first is delicious coconut water, which is chocked full of nutrients such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Something that makes it a great post-workout drink as it helps to replace the minerals that your body needs to create the electrolytes that it has sweated out while you were moving. Of course, the unsweetened version is best, as it’s low in sugar and therefore it is unlikely to cause the spike in insulin that sodas do. Something that can end up in a dangerous cycle of always wanting more.
Just be sure you buy coconut water and not coconut milk or cream. These products come from the flesh of the coconut that is dense and close to the shell. They are deliciously creamy and work well in curries and stews, but they tend to be fatty and high in calories too. That is why for hydration purposes coconut water is the better choice.
Kombucha
One of the most popular soda alternatives on the market right now is kombucha, a fermented tea drink. The fermentation occurs when a fungus called a SCOBY has introduced something that converts the sugar in the tea to lactic acid, making it less sweet and so better for you and your digestive system. You can find kombucha being sold in cans in stores nationwide. Although it’s very simple to make your own, all you need is some black tea sugar and a SCOBY which you can order online.
Cold pressed juice
Juice is another excellent attentive to soda, and it can be very flavorful too. This is because if you make your own juice at home, you can decide exactly what to include in your drink, and boy howdy are there a wealth of options to pick from! Indeed, while fruit juices such as orange and pineapple are popular, you can juice just about any fruit or vegetable from carrots to kale. Of course, the more veggies you include the lower the overall amount of sugar in your juice will be, which is important for those looking for a healthier option.
If you can try to go for the cold-pressed option as well, the process helps to retain much more of the vitamins and minerals, so you can be sure that your juice will be as good for you as possible.
Sparkling tea
Many people like sodas because they are full of caffeine and this gives them a lift and helps them focus and get through their day. However, soda is not the only option to consider when you need a drink that energizes you. Instead, why not try sparkling tea instead, as they are made with all-natural ingredients and have low to zero sugar. They are also carbonated, which makes them ideal for those of us that are looking to quit the soda habit but still enjoy the dance of bubbles on our tongues.
Indeed, there are many benefits to this type of drink, and if you’d like to find out what sparkling tea is all about, then just head on over to their website for a full rundown including how much caffeine, and L-Theanine are in every can.
Matcha tea
Matcha tea has traditionally been used in Japanese tea ceremonies for thousands of years. However, it has since become very popular in the West as well, largely because of its delicate and interesting flavor, as well as its proven health benefits. Indeed, studies suggest that consuming drinks with 1-4tsp of matcha tea a day over 12 weeks can lead to a weight loss of around 3lbs. All without making any other life changes. Additionally, matcha is believed to have several other benefits including preventing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
The good news is that matcha tea is easy and fast to make, and you can drink it hot or cold. However, it is worth noting that it is relatively expensive, and you can expect to pay around $20 for even a small packet.
Hot black tea
While we are on the subject of tea, it’s important to remember that a simple cup of hot black tea can be an ideal replacement for a soda, especially on a chilly winter’s day. Indeed, black tea contains no sugars and has been linked to lower incidences of cholesterol, blood pressure, stroke, and cancer. If you aren’t used to drinking your tea sans milk then it’s best to go gently at first and opt for a weaker brew. You can also choose a more fragrant blend such as Earl Gray or Lady Gray which have more delicate and fruity flavors respectively, and incidents work very well with a single slice of lemon as a garnish.
Soy or nut milk
The last and final soda alternative to consider is soy or nut milk. Soy milk comes from soya beans, while nut milk comes from almonds or oats. Soy and nut milk are very popular options for the health conscious because they have similar nutrient profiles to cow’s milk, but contain less fat and more protein. The great thing about these kinds of milk is that with a dash of chocolate or strawberry milkshake power, or bought ready flavored it can feel like just as much of a treat as a soda.
Of course, if you are watching out for your health, you won’t want to consume the higher sugared flavored versions all the time. Instead, for day-to-day use, unsweetened soy, almond, or oat milk is best.
Exploring alternative beverage options is a wise choice for those seeking healthier alternatives to sodas. If you’re interested in discovering drinks without aspartame, check out this informative resource for more insights.
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