If there is one thing that you take away from this article it should be that you should drink more water. We get it, drinking enough water is essential for optimal health. However, the benefits of replacing your daily drink with a cup of tea or coffee are numerous.
Here are 10 things you should drink to help lose weight.
Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks globally, with the majority of coffee drinkers living in countries where it is popular to drink coffee. With caffeine being a powerful stimulant, many people have turned to coffee to help them get through the day. However, coffee has many additional benefits beyond just being an effective mental and physical stimulant. Coffee is known to increase the body’s metabolic rate and burn calories. Drinking a cup of coffee before eating can help reduce your appetite and thus may assist in weight loss. Coffee is also a great source of antioxidants, which fight free radicals in the body and may protect against several diseases.
Although coffee is high in caffeine, it tends to be low in sugar. The caffeine in coffee helps the body to regulate blood sugar, preventing spikes and subsequent crashes. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to regular coffee, consider making a cup of herbal tea instead.
Green Tea
If you are a fan of Chinese herbal teas, you may want to try green tea. It is an excellent alternative to coffee due to the similarities in terms of health benefits. Green tea is relatively low in caffeine and has several antioxidants which may also help protect the body from damage. Green tea is popular in many parts of the world and is becoming increasingly available in mainstream supermarkets in the UK. We highly recommend you try making the switch to green tea if you’re looking to lose weight.
Red Wine
Red wine is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. Its production ranks fifth worldwide among all drinks, and ninth in the world in relation to value. It is also the fifth most popular drink in the United States, where it is known as wine. When it comes to weight loss, red wine provides a variety of benefits. It is acidic, and when consumed in moderation may assist in preventing dental plaque. Red wine also contains antioxidants which act as small fighters in the body, battling and defending your body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are small molecules which can lead to cell damage and thus may increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
In terms of calories, one drink contains approximately 95 calories. If you are looking to lose weight, one drink should not prove to be an excessive calorie intake. Similarly, red wine contains a moderate amount of polyphenols, which assist the body in metabolising fat. It is therefore a great option for those who want to shed a few pounds. If you want to enjoy a glass of wine with friends and family, why not try making a sparkling wine instead? It’s healthier than regular red wine, and the bubbles will cause you to take a mouthful more slowly, thus controlling how much you drink.
Whiskey, Vodka, And Champagne
Alcoholic drinks are another group of beverages which have been shown to have a positive impact on weight loss. Whiskey, vodka, and champagne are often referred to as the “drink of kings” or “burggraves” in Germany due to their popularity there. While these are delicious when consumed in moderation, they can also cause damage when overconsumed. Whiskey is particularly high in calories, with one drink containing approximately 165 calories. If you are looking to lose weight, it’s best to avoid foods which have been brewed with whiskey or vodka, as these tend to be higher in calories than other alcoholic beverages. Vodka is typically made from grain mash, with the majority of its calories coming from carbohydrates. Champagne is also made from grapes, with approximately 100 calories in a standard bottle. If you are trying to shed some pounds, these alcoholic drinks are not the best choices to start with, as the calories can add up quickly.
Water
Drinking plenty of water is essential for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is to help the body eliminate food cravings. When the body is not adequately hydrated, it may produce greater amounts of ghrelin, a hormone which causes the appetite to increase. When you drink sufficient amounts of water, your appetite may even decrease, and you may find that you are less tempted by calorie-rich food. If you want to lose weight, drink at least eight ounces for every hour that you spend outside, as staying hydrated can help boost your metabolic rate and thus may assist in fat loss. If you follow a vegan diet, you may want to consider drinking herb infused water, as it can assist in reducing your craving for animal products. You may also want to try making your own infused water using a recipe which suits your taste buds best. Alternatively, you can purchase an infuser bottle which allows you to create your own custom flavours at home. While this may sound like an expensive option, it’s worth it if you are serious about weight loss.
Vegetarian Food
Most people who want to lose weight choose a diet which is lower in calories, and one way of doing this is by eating less meat. A diet which is low in meat may also be low in nutrients, and it’s not advisable to skip out on essential nutrients simply to lose a few pounds. If you follow a vegan diet, you may want to consider taking a nutritional supplement which contains vitamin B12. This may help to improve mood and mental functions, and it is also important for protein synthesis. Vitamin B12 is commonly found in vegan food sources, such as fortified cereals, mushrooms, and yeast. These foods are typically high in fiber, and it is well-known that food high in fiber helps to create a feeling of fullness which assists in weight loss. You shouldn’t have to limit yourself to eating only veggie food if you follow a vegan diet though, as there are plenty of options out there which are low in calories and packed with nutrients. Why not try making homemade veggie burgers or sausages using the food items which you love the most, and avoid those which you know you should avoid, like gluten and wheat.
Get Active
Keeping your body active is another great way to shed some pounds. If you consider walking as your mode of transport, you may be able to lose a few pounds. One of the best things about this option is that it doesn’t require a lot of effort, and it’s something that most people can do. If you have a job which requires you to be seated at a desk all day, consider taking a stroll during lunchtime. Alternatively, you could join a gym and try out their fitness classes, many of which are designed to assist with weight loss. Swimming is also an excellent way to get active and lose some weight, and it’s a great option for those who want to get fit and tone their bodies. However, if you want to lose weight, it’s best to avoid those who insist on you working at a high intensity, as this may be harmful to your health in the long run. Find a gym which suits your needs and has a climate which you enjoy, and get moving!
Reduce Stress
Reducing stress is another great way to help with weight loss. Many people who are plagued by excess weight gain and dieting habits turn to alcohol as a way of reducing their stress. However, this may be harmful in the long run. If you are looking to shed some pounds, try getting a professional to help. A good psychiatrist can help you to work out what is causing your stress, and advise you on how best to reduce it. Look into complementary therapies which may help to reduce your dependency on alcohol, as well as improve your overall wellbeing. Meditation may be an excellent way to reduce your stress, as it focuses your mind on something other than your problems. Why not try making it a point to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and see if this feels beneficial to you. It’s an easy way to start the day, and it can also help to reduce stress and cravings later in the day.
Avoid Consuming Food Which Has Been Expensively Prepped
When you are dieting, it’s important to reduce the amount of food which you consume, particularly if you are cutting down on meat. One way of doing this is by preparing your food at home. There are plenty of easy ways of preparing food which is low in fat and has all the ingredients you need, ready to go. You shouldn’t be tempted to buy pre-made food which has been heated in a microwave, as these foods usually have several preservatives in them, and this may pose a health risk to you. If you want to lose weight, reduce how much you rely on eating out and buying ready-made foods, and prepare foods at home as often as possible.