Every year, it’s the same story: as the warmer days arrive, you notice your stomach has quietly rounded out over winter… A few comforting treats and a lack of exercise often have something to do with it. But that’s all about to change! You’ve decided to take things back into your own hands and look after yourself. No drink acts on your stomach on its own, but choosing what you drink wisely is part of good everyday habits. Here’s a roundup of homemade drinks with no added sugar, to swap in for fizzy drinks and shop-bought juices.
Sassy Water: a refreshing favourite!
Popularised by American journalist Cynthia Sass, this water is a simple flavoured blend to help you drink more throughout the day. Prepare it the night before: it will taste even better. You’ll need:
- 2 litres of water
- 1 tsp of grated ginger
- 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1 lemon, unwaxed and unpeeled, cut into pieces
- 12 mint leaves
Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher and leave it in the fridge overnight. Why this blend? Thanks to mint’s refreshing action, lemon’s zesty and tangy effect, cucumber’s thirst-quenching properties, and ginger’s spicy warmth. This zingy mix should brighten up your day!
Cranberry, pineapple & pear juice: a fruity treat!
This fruity juice is easy to enjoy, even on days when stress ties your stomach in knots. Pineapple brings its tangy sweetness and cranberry its tartness. And pear, low in calories and rich in fibre, adds a gentle sweetness to the drink. If stress levels are weighing on your daily life, have a chat with your GP. Simply blend together:
- 1 generous slice of pineapple
- 12 cranberries
- 1 pear
- 1 glass of water
Blend everything together and it’s ready! And on top of that, it’s absolutely delicious!
Coffee: so simple, and yet…
Surprising? Not really. Coffee, when consumed in moderation and without sugar or milk, can easily have a place in your routine. To find out more about caffeine, a dedicated article awaits you on the blog. So stop feeling guilty about sipping your morning cup. You can enjoy it with complete peace of mind.
Apple & cinnamon drink: warming things up!
Spice lovers are going to adore this warming drink! Cinnamon flavours the drink with no added sugar. Apple, meanwhile, adds its natural sweetness. Simply place in a pitcher:
- A few slices of unpeeled, washed apple
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Ice
- Water
Leave to infuse. Your drink will be ready in an hour.
Spinach, Granny Smith, cucumber & lime green juice: so green!
Give in to the “green juice” trend! Green juices are far more than a passing fad. Low in calories and a source of fibre (especially if you keep the pulp), they’re also an easy way to eat more veg. And to combine pleasure with freshness, you only need a few minutes to make this recipe:
- A handful of fresh washed spinach
- 1 cucumber, roughly chopped
- The juice of one lime
- 1 Granny Smith apple
Run everything through a juicer. The result: a refreshing green juice that’s tastier than ever!
Tomato, celery & chilli juice: the smart aperitif!
Looking for an alcohol-free drink for an aperitif with friends? Here’s a recipe that could tick all the boxes: it makes a great alternative to a sugary cocktail. Tomato brings lycopene, celery its freshness and chilli a spicy kick. To make your juice, you’ll need:
- 1 celery stalk
- 2–3 tomatoes
- 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
Run the celery through a juicer and blend the tomatoes to preserve their fibre-rich pulp. Combine everything and add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The perfect guilt-free aperitif drink!
Green tea: a delicious classic
No introduction needed. When it comes to a comforting cuppa, green tea really delivers! It comes in many varieties and is just as delicious hot as it is iced. Add a few fennel seeds for a change of flavour. And if your bloated belly is linked to transit problems, or if you’re prone to water retention, ask your doctor for advice.
Herbal tea: a multi-tasking drink!
Another tea-based drink combining botanicals and fruit for a range of flavours in your cup? Try Cellublue tea! It blends green tea, maté, guarana and orange and lemon peel, with no added flavouring. What more could you ask for?
How should you choose your drink?
Follow your cravings! If you love cool, flavoured drinks, Sassy Water and the apple & cinnamon drink can be made ahead and kept in the fridge. For a tasty treat, go for the cranberry, pineapple & pear juice or the green juice. When it’s time for an aperitif, the tomato, celery & chilli juice makes a great alternative to a cocktail. As for hot drinks, green tea and coffee remain classics, as long as you drink them without sugar or milk.
Frequently asked questions
What can I drink every day instead of fizzy drinks?
Water, first and foremost. You can flavour it like Sassy Water (cucumber, lemon, ginger, mint) or with apple and cinnamon. Homemade juices, green tea and coffee drunk in moderation, without sugar or milk, can also have a place in your routine. Just avoid adding sugar.
Which homemade juices does this article suggest?
This article suggests several homemade recipes: the spinach, Granny Smith, cucumber and lime green juice, the cranberry, pineapple and pear juice, or the tomato, celery and chilli juice. If your stomach stays bloated or you have any pain, ask your doctor for advice.
Can a drink help you lose belly fat?
No drink works on its own when it comes to your stomach. The ones in this article are a way to vary your habits and replace sugary drinks. They’re no substitute for a balanced diet or regular physical activity.
Related articles
- Top 10 homemade drinks: from Sassy Water to kombucha
- Lemon and Cumin: What We Really Know
- Foods and Your Belly: Which Ones to Limit and Why
Useful categories: Slimming Nutrition, Weight Management.
