Anyone trying to trim the fat in time for beach season knows that it's not just what you eat, but also what you drink that matters. And don't think for a second that doesn't include diet beverages. Ever since the study presented at an American Diabetes Association meeting in 2011 linked drinking diet to wider waistlines, it's more apparent than ever that you are not only what you eat but also what you drink. Luckily, the following six beverages not only satisfy, but also keep you on the waist-slimming track. Reach for them next time you're parched-or hungry-and you'll stay hydrated, healthy, and on your way to an awesome bikini body!
1. Fresh "Green" juices
There's a reason juicing is all the rage right now-fresh-pressed mixtures of the likes of kale, apple, celery, cucumber, ginger, and lemon not only provide multiple servings of fruits and veggies in one sitting, but are also surprisingly good and satisfying. Bonus: They also make skin look younger and healthier! If you don't have a juicer and want to make your own, try a blender followed by a strainer!
2. Vegetable Juice
A serving of tomato or carrot juice has all the nutrients found in fruit juices with fewer calories. An eight-ounce serving of tomato juice for instance, only has 45 calories, yet you're getting an essential serving of veggies. (The same amount of orange juice has 112 calories.) Vegetable juices with pulp also contain fiber, which leaves you feeling fuller longer so you're less likely to over-eat.
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3. Coffee
On its own, a fresh cup of coffee not only imparts a much-needed jolt of energy. It also provides impressive amounts of disease-fighting antioxidants and decreases the risk of neural degeneration, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease-all without any additional calories. However, if you reach for a latte or add milk, sugar, or even sugar substitutes, you're defeating the weight-watching purpose. If you can't stand the taste of black coffee, add a bit of skim milk and artificial sweetener to keep the calories low while still reaping the benefits of this antioxidant-rich blend.
4. Green Tea
Like coffee, green tea gives you an energy boost. But even better, according to a 2008 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the active plant ingredients in green tea increase fat oxidation, the process that converts your fatty cells into usable energy! That's right-green tea actually stimulates weight loss!
5. Low-Fat Smoothies
Skip Jamba Juice and other fast-food smoothies, which can unknowingly encourage you do slurp down upward of 500 calories, plus lots of sugar. Instead, make your own concoctions using fresh fruit, skim milk, and ice, if desired. Even better: Add a dash of protein powder, which helps build lean muscle and prolongs hunger.
6. Water
Did you know that according to WebMD, studies showed that subjects' metabolic rate increased 30 percent in both men and women after drinking 17 ounces of water? In addition, drinking at least two glasses of water before eating will help you feel fuller so you're less likely to over-indulge in your next meal.
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