Healthy Drinks Dietitians Say You Should Sip on Right Now

During the summertime, it’s key that you stay hydrated, especially when temperatures top 75 degrees. However, as refreshing as a glass of cold water is, sometimes we need variation in our beverage choices.

There are plenty of healthy drinks lining the shelves of supermarkets, too, such as low sugar-bottled smoothies like Koia Smoothies and even fiber-rich soda alternatives like OLIPOP. We called on several health experts to share what their top picks are.

Here are eight healthy drinks registered dietitians day you should sip on right now, and for even more healthy tips, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

“Adaptogens are all the craze. But in case you haven’t heard about them yet, adaptogens are edible plants that have been shown to help the body adapt in stressful situations,” says Kim Rose, RDN, CDCES, CNSC. “Elements have four functional wellness drinks that contain clinically effective levels of adaptogens. In other words, this drink contains enough adaptogens for you to get the desired effects of those adaptogens. Each wellness drink is suited to help decrease mental fatigue, boost tranquility, promote sleep, or enhance mental performance.”

“My favorite drink is SLEEP. Who doesn’t want a peaceful night’s rest? It comes in a yummy cherry, vanilla, and almond flavor that settles you down for a good night’s rest,” says Rose.

For more on sleep, check out The #1 Best Thing to Eat for Better Sleep, Says a Dietitian.

“Functional beverages are incredibly intriguing and have become popular, and with good reason. The right drink can work on multiple levels—hydrating while also incorporating ingredients that provide specific benefits throughout the day,” says Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition. “One of my favorite new beverages is Driftwell because it contains functional ingredients like magnesium and l-theanine which promote relaxation. I like to drink the mini can before bed to help me unwind and destress. It has no carbonation, calories, or added sugar, making it a great part of your nighttime ritual.”

“While black and green teas tend to be fan favorites, do not overlook chamomile tea,” says Sydney Lappe, RD for bistroMD. “The herbal tea may benefit the entire body, including promoting good skin, heart, digestive, bone, and mental health.”

“I’m a serious fangirl of tropical fruit, especially mango and guava. For me, this smoothie has a naturally perfect balance of sweetness and tartness,” says Rose. “What’s even better is Splendid Spoon makes this smoothie available all year long. More exciting than that? Also, sixteen ounces of this smoothie contains 20% of your percent daily value (DV) of potassium. Twenty percent or more of the DV is ideal! Low potassium intake has been shown to cause high blood pressure, and elevated blood pressure may lead to stroke. Instead of risking it, you can help yourself to this drink and get some more potassium into your diet.”

“When it comes to sipping on a healthy alcoholic beverage, red wine often steals the show and for good reason,” says Lappe. “Not only does a 5-ounce glass contain an average of 120 calories, but red wine shows to support heart health, longevity, amongst other health benefits—in moderation, of course!”

Don’t miss This Is the Real Difference Between Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Other Red Wines.

“Moon milk has origins in centuries-old ayurvedic medicine where it’s used as a remedy for sleeplessness,” says Marisa Moore, RDN. “It’s a warm mug of milk blended with herbs or spices. Of note, this beverage is my very non-traditional take on moon milk.”

“Lactose allergies are real and can carry unpleasant side effects. As a result, I not only look for a plant-based, non-dairy beverage that doesn’t give me the bubble gut but something that my body can gain some nourishment from,” says Rose.

“Silk’s Unsweetened Almond and Cashew Protein Non-Dairy Beverage does exactly that. It contains a whopping 10 grams of protein! While 10 grams may not seem like a lot, compared to other non-dairy beverages, it is. Protein is the building block of muscle and tissue and helps you to stay full. As an added bonus, this beverage only contains two grams of carbohydrates for every eight ounces—only two grams! This is important for persons with diabetes who desire to gain better blood-sugar control.”

“While water is the best hydration source, a glass of plain H2O might not always seem appealing,” says Lappe. “Offer natural flavor and nutrients by infusing water with fresh fruit, herbs, and spices. Refreshing combos to sip on include watermelon mint, orange ginger, and peach basil. If you enjoy the carbonation of soda, swap standard water with carbonated water for a touch of bubbly flair.”

For more, be sure to check out The #1 Best Thing to Eat for Better Sleep, Says a Dietitian.

The post Healthy Drinks Dietitians Say You Should Sip on Right Now appeared first on .