Hydration Options

NOVEMBER 30, 2016 by OLIVIA NEELY, RDN, LD

One of the biggest challenges people experience when trying to cut down on sugar in their diet for whatever reason is beverage options, or rather lack of options. While water is of course the best choice, here are a few options to consider:

Infused Water

We always have and always will believe water is the best form of hydration, however, we know that some of your tastebuds may require a little more variety. Trying chopping up some fresh fruit and infusing it in your water to give it a little flavor. Cucumbers, lemons, limes, oranges and strawberries mixed in with ice cold water is so refreshing and incredibly satisfying.

Coffee

If you like your coffee black, keep doing what you’re doing. However, if you are one of the many who love a little cream and sugar with your coffee, let’s see if we can get some good alternatives for you…

CREAMER: there are plenty of alternatives to dairy-based creamers, such as unsweetened coconut or almond milk.

SUGAR: try Green Leaf Stevia or even some sugar and alcohol free vanilla extract. Another option is to try spicing it up with cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin spice or nutmeg.

Another option is to try dandelion or chicory coffee. Both are great prebiotics, so they can even help to repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria. And lastly, the bitter taste stimulates the production of enzymes that help regulate your digestive system.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are another alternative, just be careful to get one that doesn’t contain mold, as this will just feed Candida. One of the best options is Nettle Leaf tea, which contains flavanoids (antioxidants), Vitamin C and Iron. Alternatively, try cinnamon, chamomile, chai, Roobios, peppermint, ginger or licorice tea – all boasting with antifungal properties. Add a splash of unsweetened almond or coconut milk added and that’s it! Be sure to look for teas that do not contain chemical additives or sweeteners.

Sparkling Waters

Perrier and LaCroix are refeshing flavored sparkling waters and are excellent alternatives that give you a little zing. Simply Balanced also has a few flavored sparkling waters.

Lemonade

Make your own lemonade or limeade with fresh lemons, limes and Green Leaf Stevia!