Juice drinks you find at the grocery store or at speciality drink restaurants often contain a low percentage of natural fruit juice in relation to the high calorie content. Also, they often contain added sugars and preservatives. If you are trying to eat a low-calorie diet, but still enjoy drinking juice drinks, learn how to make drinks yourself that are lower in calories, and contain 100 percent juice.
Tangy Citrus Lemonade
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and antioxidants and make a great base for this tasty lemonade recipe that has about 100 calories a serving. Juice 6 large lemons and 3 medium limes. Combine the juice with 3/4 cup of honey for sweetness. Stir well and continue stirring while pouring in 6 cups of water and 2 cups of fresh or frozen raspberries. Chill a minimum of 2 hours, but not more than 24. Stir once more before serving and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Tropical Not-a-Colada
The typical pina colada contains high-calorie alcohol and little nutrition. Try this recipe that both you and your children will enjoy. Double the recipe to make two servings. Use a blender to combine 3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice with 1/2 medium banana. Sweeten with a couple packets of your favorite artificial sweetener. Before blending, add 1 tsp. lime juice, 1/4 tsp. coconut extract and a few ice cubes. Blend on high until very smooth. The pineapple juice only has 105 calories and half a banana 50, making the total calories 155.
Fruit Fizz
This fizzy drink may help you avoid drinking high-calorie sodas or smoothies. Using only natural juices and no sugar, this recipe makes two 80-calorie, 5-oz. servings. Combine 3 oz. each of pineapple, orange and cranberry juice with 1 oz. of club soda. Stir well and chill for 2 hours. Before serving, strain through a metal strainer or cheesecloth if you like a clear, sparkling drink.
Morning Mojito
According to the MayoClinic.com, a mojito drink traditionally uses a sweet syrup, lime juice and mint. This lower-calorie, non-alcoholic version is more filling than an ordinary juice and has 163 calories per cup. Put 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup lime juice in a saucepan and allow to boil. Add 1/2 cup mint leaves. Take the saucepan off the heat and let the mixture sit for five minutes. Strain using a mesh strainer, catching the liquid in a bowl. Refrigerate for about an hour, until cold. When you are ready to serve the drink, combine the syrup with 2 cups each fresh grapefruit and orange juice. Stir vigorously so syrup dissolves and garnish with lime zest and lime slices. Makes six servings.
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