Healthy Drinks For Summer: Make These Swaps ASAP!
Hey ladies, we all know that it's a constant struggle to find healthy drinks for summer that are actually yummy and enjoyable, right? Because those drinks on most grocery store shelves…well, they're full of crap ingredients. Sugar, dyes, preservatives, you name it. And the health consequences? UGH, don't even get me started. But don’t worry, I've got some healthier drink swaps that will literally change the game. Give these healthy drinks for Summer a try and let me know what you think!
The Trouble with Typical Summer Drinks
Sipping on drinks brimming with high sugar content, artificial colors, and preservatives might throw our body's natural harmony out of whack. This could lead to nutrient deficiencies and an unhealthy gut. And these imbalances might be the unseen culprits behind some annoying daily symptoms in both ladies and the little ones.
Loads of Sugar
For instance, too much sugar might upset our body's insulin levels, setting off a rollercoaster of energy highs and lows and cravings. It's like a merry-go-round that could end up in unwanted weight gain. This imbalance might also cause nutrient deficiencies as a high-sugar lifestyle can mess with the absorption of essential nutrients. For kiddos, this might show up as slow growth and development. For us ladies, it can leave us feeling worn out, foggy-headed, and with a less-than-ideal immune system.
2. Artificial Coloring
Artificial colors like Red 40 might not only cause allergies, but they might also play havoc with our gut buddies – our microbiome. This disruption could lead to unhappy digestion, poor nutrient absorption, and even behavioral issues in children, like ADHD.
3. Preservatives
Preservatives, while they help keep our drinks fresh for longer, might interfere with our body's natural detox squad, leading to a build-up of unwanted toxins. These sneakily build-up toxins can cause chronic inflammation, contributing to scary stuff like cancer, heart disease, and asthma. They might also upset the balance of our gut buddies, leading to digestive troubles like bloating, constipation, and the dreaded irritable bowel syndrome.
The imbalances caused by these ingredients can also leave our skin looking less than fabulous, leading to issues like acne and eczema. It might also mess with our mood and energy levels, causing mood swings, restlessness, feeling down, and constant tiredness.
So, it's super important to be mindful of what we sip on and choose healthy drinks for summer instead that not only taste great but also nourish our bodies!
My Favorite Healthier Drink Swaps
Now, onto the fun part! Here are some of my favorite healthier drink swaps that are not only nutritious but also delicious!
From High Sugar Fruit Juice to Organic Green Juice
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Transitioning from a fruit juice loaded with sugar to an organic green juice as an options for a healthy drink for summer can offer numerous health benefits. Organic green juice is not only refreshing, but it's also packed with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, vital for our overall health.
Drinking green juice can help boost immunity and detoxify the body, thanks to its alkalizing properties.
To make it practical and easy, try making green juice at home by juicing leafy greens like spinach or kale with a touch of apple or lemon for a flavor boost. If you're on-the-go, opt for store-bought ones but make sure to check the label for no added sugars or preservatives and be sure it's organic! Suja is a popular brand that's good!
Sugar Filled Root Beer to Olipop Pre-biotic Root Beer
They have tons of flavors from Orange Creamsicle to Cream Soda and even grape soda. These are a must for healthy drinks for summer! You can order packs off Amazon making it super easy to stay stocked up!
Who doesn't love a good root beer? But did you know there's a healthier option out there? Olipop Pre-biotic Root Beer is a game changer. Tastes just like the real thing, but without all the sugar. It's also packed with prebiotics, a type of dietary fiber that's a treat for the good bacteria in your tummy. This helps keep your gut microbiome balanced and healthy, which is super important for your overall well-being.
A healthier gut may mean better digestion, a stronger immune system, and improved nutrient absorption. Plus, Olipop Root Beer has way less sugar than traditional ones, making it a smart move for managing blood sugar levels and keeping your weight in check. It's a refreshing drink that doesn't skimp on taste, making your journey to healthier living a whole lot more fun. I wouldn't be downing these every single day, but it's a great alternative if you want a soda to take to a family gathering, summer cookout, or to watch a football game.
Gatorade to Coconut Water
After a tough workout or a day basking in the summer sun, why not swap the sugar-filled Gatorade for a refreshing coconut water? This natural thirst quencher is packed with electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium, essential for keeping our body's fluid balance in check and rehydrating us, especially after a good sweat. Plus, it's brimming with antioxidants to help combat those pesky free radicals that come out to play during exercise and sun exposure.
While Gatorade might be a popular choice, it's often loaded with sugars and artificial colors, which aren't the best for maintaining a healthy body balance. Consuming too much of these ingredients could lead to a host of health problems, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and even heart disease.
my literal favorite options for healthy drinks for summer
On the flip side, coconut water, like my personal go-to - Harmless Harvest, is a healthier and tastier alternative. A quick tip when you're on the hunt for your coconut water: go for one that's unsweetened and doesn't have any added sugars or flavors. This way, you can reap all the health benefits without any unwanted extras. Want to spruce it up a bit? Put it in the fridge for a cool treat or add a dash to your post-workout smoothie. Not only will you have a super hydrating drink, but your smoothie will taste even better.
Remember, not all coconut waters are made the same. Experiment with different brands to find one that you love and aligns with your health goals. I can personally vouch for Harmless Harvest - it's the best tasting coconut water I've come across!
Nut Milks with Inflammatory Ingredients to Nut Milks with Pure, Simple Ingredients
If you're looking to choose nut milks, go for those with pure, simple ingredients. You may think all nut milks are healthier than regular milk, but that may not be true.
Lots of nut milks out there often include additives and stuff that can cause inflammation, like sugars, emulsifiers, and artificial flavors. This stuff can potentially lead to a bunch of health issues, including digestive problems, skin conditions, and even chronic diseases. Not cool!
What you want to do instead is pick nut milks that have just nuts and water (and sometimes se salt) as the main ingredients. These types of nut milks are great because they're a solid source of healthy fats and usually have fewer calories than dairy milk. Plus, they give you essential minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E, which are super important for your bones, immune system, and cells.
When you're shopping for nut milks, always give the label a good look. You want products with the fewest ingredients and without any added sugars or artificial stuff. Brands like Three Trees and Malk are awesome because they offer clean-label nut milks.
And, if you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own nut milk at home! All you need are some nuts (like almonds or cashews), water, and a blender ORRR this amazing Almond Cow Nut Milk Maker (get $25 OFF your first order!) that I have and LOVE! If you like, you can add a natural sweetener like dates or vanilla for flavor. Making your own nut milk lets you control what goes in it and ensures you're getting the freshest, most nutritious option. How cool is that?
Soda to Kombucha
Have you ever thought about swapping your regular soda for something a tad healthier, like kombucha? It's a super tasty way to get your fizzy fix while also doing wonders for your health. Kombucha is a type of fermented tea packed to the brim with probiotics - these little guys are fantastic for promoting good gut health. And a happy gut means better digestion, a stronger immune system, and it can even help brighten your mood!
Now, when it comes to choosing your kombucha, try to go for brands that aren't too high in sugar, that way you're maximizing all those health benefits. And remember to start with just a small serving. Your body might need a little time to adjust to the probiotics, but once it does, feel free to increase the amount.
Just a quick note though, while kombucha is definitely a healthier substitute for soda, it's still best to drink it in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Beer/Alcohol to Non-Alcoholic Beer
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Non-alcoholic beers are a fantastic option for those who love the taste of beer, but prefer to steer clear of the health risks that come with alcohol. These beers can help keep your liver happy and healthy, as they're free of the alcoholic content that could lead to liver trouble.
Plus, non-alcoholic beers usually pack fewer calories than regular beers, which is great news for those watching their calorie intake or aiming to lose weight.
What's more, non-alcoholic beers let you have all the fun at social events without the side effects of alcohol. You can still join in for the "cheers" and enjoy a cool brew on a sunny day - but without impacting your reaction times, decision-making skills, or waking up feeling groggy the next day.
Some handy tips for adding non-alcoholic beers to your routine could include keeping them stocked for social gatherings or dinners, giving you an alternative to alcoholic beverages. Feel free to explore different brands and styles of non-alcoholic beers to find your perfect match.
Don't forget, just like traditional beers, non-alcoholic beers come in a whole range of styles - from lagers and ales to stouts and IPAs. This means you can still relish in the unique tastes and flavors of different beer styles. And while the taste may not be an exact match to their alcoholic twins, many non-alcoholic beers serve up a pretty satisfying substitute.
Join “The Nourished Life” Course
Ladies, I'm OBSESSED with empowering women and mamas with knowledge and practical tips to create a home of wellness. That's why I created the Nourished Life course. It's designed to give you the tools you need to pass on these healthy habits to your kiddos and create generational health. So, if you're as passionate about this as I am, I'd LOVEEE for you to join me. Get on the waitlist today!
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