It’s hot out there! And there’s no better way to cool down than by sipping on a refreshing summer drink. The challenge? Some of these delish drinks, such as sodas, fruit juices and colorful tropical drinks and fruity blended drinks are high in sugar. Even a so-called “healthy” fresh-squeezed juice concoction or smoothie can contain from 25 to almost 60 grams of sugar! But before you get too heated up, you can chill out with these tips and recipes for refreshing low carb summer drinks:
Instead of soda, drink diet soda, or, even better, club soda with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon, no-sugar and no-calorie flavored seltzer or zero carb flavored water, unsweetened iced tea (or sweetened with a sugar-free alternative). And you can never go wrong with water!
- There’s no reason to drink high-sugar fruit juice when you have fiber-rich frozen fruit, which is filling and just as refreshing, minus the empty calories and extra sugar. All you have to do is freeze your fruit (berries, melon, etc.) in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and then store in a re-sealable freezer safe plastic bag or container. Frozen fruit is also a great kid-friendly treat!
- Everyone loves smoothies, especially in the summer. Keep the carbs and sugar low with sugar-free syrups and sweeteners, as well as sugar-free protein powders, unsweetened soy or almond milk, plain Greek yogurt and frozen fruit.
- If you’re in the mood for an adult beverage, distilled spirits (rum, whiskey, vodka, gin and tequila) don’t have carbs. Sip them on the rocks or mix with club soda, diet sodas, diet tonic or sugar-free juice drinks or mixes. You can also try low carb beer or a wine spritzer. Remember, go easy on the booze; it can lower your resistance to a host of high carb summertime goodies. Alternate each alcoholic drink with club soda or water, or avoid entirely if you know it will trigger cravings you can’t control.
You can also try our Low Carb Summer Drinks recipes. You’ll find everything from smoothies and slushies to margs and mojitos. Cheers to that!
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