Commercially available diet drinks are chock full of artificial coloring, flavoring and preservatives--hardly the stuff of a healthful diet. This needn't be a problem, however, as there are plenty of diet drinks that not only are free of unhealthy ingredients, but that are actually good for you. Take a couple of minutes to prepare one of these healthy low-calorie drinks.
Iced Tea
Black tea and green tea are inexpensive drinks that contain no calories but are rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant. If you want to increase the antioxidants in your diet, increase your intake of tea, as tea has been found to have almost ten times as many antioxidants as most fruits and vegetables. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for more flavor. If necessary, sweeten your tea with stevia, a natural sweetener containing practically no calories.
Limeade
Limeade is an ideal beverage for both lazy days by the pool or as a refreshment after a challenging workout. One lime contains only 20 calories yet provides almost one-third of the RDA for vitamin C. Limes may have antibacterial properties as well. Add extra zing to your limeade by preparing it with sparkling water. Add a bit of stevia to cut the lime's tartness, if desired.
Cranberry Spritzer
A non-alcoholic cranberry spitzer is a low-calorie drink that is a cheerful red color, making it an ideal diet choice for holiday parties and dinners. It's a healthful drink, as cranberries are known for their defensive action against the E. coli bacteria, which is why many people drink it to prevent urinary tract infections. An ounce of 100 percent cranberry juice will flavor an 8-oz. glass of sparkling water. Add a couple more ounces of cranberry juice for a bolder flavor.
Agua Fresca
An agua fresca is a Latin American drink that consists of water, fruit and a sweetener. While it is usually prepared with sugar, you can add stevia instead for a refreshing low-calorie drink. To make this tropical delight, put a cup of ice water and a 1/4 cup of strawberries, pineapple or mango in a blender. Liquefy the fruit, and add stevia to taste. You'll reap the benefits of whichever fruit you add to your drink while enjoying a low-calorie treat.
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