Most of us know that indulging with those sugary-sweet sodas isn’t doing our health any favors. In fact, recent research shows that the risks of drinking sugar-sweetened beverages include weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Still, kicking the habit can be tough when you’re used to enjoying a sweet, bubbly refresher every day. Here are five delicious alternatives to soda that can get you off the pop train and on your way to healthier habits.
Olipop
If you’ve got a big soda habit, the easiest transition to an alternative could be Olipop. With only 35 calories and two grams of sugar, and zero artificial sweeteners, Olipop is the soda you can feel good about enjoying regularly. Not only does it cut out the sugars of traditional soda, but it serves as a helpful dietary supplement, providing nine grams of prebiotic fiber to improve digestive health. As an anti-inflammatory, Olipop can actually help to reverse some of the unhealthy side effects of a soda habit. Bonus: It comes in yummy classic pop flavors like Orange Cream, Strawberry Vanilla, and Vintage Cola.
Electrolyte Water
Whether you’re recovering from a bike ride or trying to start your day off on the right foot, electrolyte water can help you get there. Mixing a quality electrolyte powder or tablet with water not only adds refreshing flavor, but it helps to provide hydration and energy. For a great exercise supplement, check out Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets, a semi-sweet splash of flavor with no added sugar. As a daily supplement, sugar-free and calorie-free Key Nutrients Electrolyte Recovery Plus is a great option that comes in powder form.
Hella Bitters & Soda
Those flavorful bitters from your favorite craft cocktails? Enjoy them without the sugary mixers (and the alcohol) in Hella Bitters & Soda. Boasting four zero-sugar flavors – Grapefruit, Ginger Turmeric, Dry Aromatic, and Lemon Lime – this bubbly treat blends sparkling water with delicious bitters. It’s a bit pricey but well worth the cost if it moves you toward healthier habits.
Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher
If you’re looking to cut back a bit on the beer as well as the soda, check out the Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, a unique sparkling water that’s something like a beer-flavored LaCroix. Made with Citra, Equinox, and Centennial hops, along with natural flavors and brewer’s yeast, the Hoppy Refresher delivers bubbly yum with zero carbs and zero calories.
Kombucha
Tart and tasty, with gut-friendly probiotics to improve digestion and boost the immune system, kombucha makes an awesome soda replacement. Not all kombucha is created equal, so if you’re purchasing yours bottled, watch that your choice doesn’t include a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners. Humm Kombucha has actually developed a proprietary process that eliminates sugar during fermentation, and you can try their sugar-free Humm Zero in Peach Tea, Ginger Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade, and Blood Orange flavors. There are plenty of quality options out there, from Health-Ade to Better Booch – which offers cool, inventive flavor combos like Golden Pear (pear, tulsi, turmeric, black pepper) and Hola Horchata (cinnamon, vanilla, oolong tea).
Whatever your beverage of choice – enjoy every sip while you’re taking care of your body! For more health and fitness tips, plus ways to stay active in and around Katy, Texas, make sure to check out the Olympus Grand Crossing blog.