Winters have finally gone, and the summer sun has started making its heat felt across India. With the ongoing summer season, people have become conscious and started hitting the gym, yoga and swimming classes to shed off the extra kilos they have gained over the festive season. Besides, what remains staple this summer as well is the hydrating and refreshing drinks.
Soda, mocktails, cocktails, iced tea or coffee, lemonades, and soft drinks are widely consumed during the summer season. They are packed with sugar, artificial flavours, and preservation that sabotage your health goals. Ditch the store-bought drinks and make beverages at your home so that you can have control over the ingredients, thus making it healthier. If you are confused as to how to make summer beverages healthier, here are certain tips that you need to follow:
- Choose Natural Sweeteners
It is a common step to add sweeteners to your beverages. But how can you make it healthier? Simply swap out the refined sugars for natural sweeteners. Omit using white sugar or high-fructose corn syrup and try sweetening your drinks by adding alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. These natural sweeteners restrict the sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Besides, they also offer beneficial nutrients and antioxidants that support overall health.
- Load Up On Fresh Fruits and Herbs
As you know fresh fruits and herbs are bursting with flavours and are packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, do not think twice before adding them to your beverages. Include fruits like berries, watermelon, lemon, and pineapple in your summer beverages that add natural sweetness and a refreshing taste. You can also experiment by combining fruits and herbs such as mint, basil, or rosemary to extend vibrant flavours and aromas to your drinks. If you’re making infused water, lemonade, or iced tea, adding fresh produce increases the nutritional value of your beverages.
- Opt For Homemade Ingredients
It is always a special experience to make your ingredients from scratch. This allows you to have control over the quality of the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. Stop using store-brought syrups, concentrates, or mixes, and try making it as your own home. For instance, you can craft syrups by mixing water, natural sweeteners, and flavourings like vanilla, lavender, or ginger. In the same manner, you can brew your herbal teas or infuse water with fruits and herbs for a healthier alternative to sugary drinks.
- Reduce Or Eliminate Added Sugars
Reduce or eliminate the use of excessive sugar in your beverages. Consumption of too much sugar can lead to various health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. To make summer beverages healthier, cut down on the usage of excessive sugar. Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened options that gradually decrease the intake of sugar through the beverages. Instead, you can flavour your drinks with enhancers like citrus zest, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and others to add depth to it.
- Experiment with Nutrient-Rich Additions
Your summer beverages can be taken to the next level by incorporating nutrient-rich additions like flax seeds, chia seeds, or coconut water. Chia seeds are packed with fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants while flax seeds are a good source of heart-healthy omega 3s. Coconut water on the other hand is hydrating and rich in electrolytes, making it an excellent base for smoothies and mocktails. Adding these ingredients boosts the nutritional value of the beverages.