Best Low Calorie Flavored Water Drinks

© May 2012, by Kelley Ward, Ph,D, RN, C All Rights Reserved

First off, I love fresh water and drink plenty of it each day. But, I have to admit, I crave something with a little more flavor from time to time. The problem is I have type 1 diabetes and need to steer clear of sugar-loaded beverages, like juice.

In my quest to discover the best low calorie flavored water drinks I've tried some that were satisfyingly sweet and many that were brutally bitter. In fact, I've tried so many different brands of low calorie flavored water that some are no longer sold in stores.

Just imagine...being able to sit back and enjoy a delicious ice cold flavored beverage on a hot summer day without the worry of added sugar or calories. Or maybe you want some fresh ideas on how you can create your own homemade fruit infused flavored water?

You'll be glad to know that I did all the taste testing for you. Here are my top picks for great tasting low calorie flavored water drinks that satisfy your sugar craving without adding inches to your waistline.

• bai5- No doubt about it bai5 is the best tasting low calorie flavored water I've tried so far. This drink is infused with antioxidants that contain coffee and fruit sweetened with an organic Stevia extract. An 8 fl. oz bottle of Panama Peach has 10 total calories, 20 grams total carbohydrates, 2 grams of sugar, 16 grams of erythritol sugar, and 10 mg of sodium. And best of all...when I need a little pick me up I turn to bai5 because it contains 35 mg of caffeine. The bai5 drinks come in Panama Peach, Sumatra Dragonfruit, Jamaica Blue Berry, and my personal favorite Costa Rica Clementine. The biggest downfall to this drink is that one 8 fl. oz. bottle costs around $2. In order to save a few dollars I buy this beverage online in a bulk.

• SoBe Lifewater Lean- My all time favorite SoBe Lifewater is the Raspberry Lemonade and Fuji Apple Cranberry from the lean line. In 20 fl. oz. there are only 15 calories, 70 mg of sodium, 21 grams of total carbohydrate, and 2 grams of sugar. Although, the drink has 21 grams of total carbohydrates my blood sugar never rises after drinking this beverage. Curiously I found out that the sweetener extract used in making these flavored water drinks are sugar alcohols that contain little or no calories and therefore have a minimal effect on raising blood sugar.

• SoBe Lifewater with Coconut Water- On your more active days SoBe Lifewater with Coconut water is a refreshing way to indulge your sugar craving. Although coconut water gives this drink a sweet taste it also adds some extra calories. In 8 fl. oz. of SoBe Lifewater with Coconut Water Pomegranate Nectarine there are 35 calories, 45 mg of sodium, 8 grams of total carbohydrates, and 8 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that the bottle includes two servings so if you can't stop after drinking half the bottle you might want to opt for a different choice.

• Glacéau’s Rise Zero Vitamin Water- I have to admit I've tried all the varieties of Zero Vitamin Water and found many leave a bitter aftertaste. That is until I tasted the Rise Zero Vitamin Water. I was pleasantly surprised with the slightly sweet refreshing taste of Rise Zero Vitamin Water. Truth be told, this Rise Zero Vitamin Water is a healthy substitute for orange juice that will help you rise up and face the day ahead.

• SoBe Lifewater- Treat yourself to another great tasting variety of SoBe Lifewater with antioxidants, vitamins, and best of all no calories. You'll be happy to know that one serving of Acai Fruit Punch has 0 calories, 25 mg sodium, 6 grams total carbohydrates, and 100% vitamin C. Still another benefit of this drink is that it is sweetened with Pure Via™, a purified Stevia extract. This line comes in a variety of different flavors including my favorites: Acai Fruit Punch, Strawberry Dragonfruit, Black and Blue Berry, and Yumberry Pomegranate.

If you want to enjoy some refreshing flavors, save lots of calories, and even some cash you can create your own great tasting low calorie flavored water! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Cherry Lemonade- Add one fresh squeezed lemon and two drops of maraschino cherry juice to 8 fluid ounces of ice cold filtered water. Mix, chill, and enjoy!

• Lemon Lime Water- Add 1 tsp. of 100% organic lemon juice and 1 tsp. of key lime juice to an 8 fluid ounce glass of ice cold water. You can add Stevia to sweeten the water or just enjoy the fresh lemon lime taste without the added sweetness. This is a great post exercise drink.

• Cucumber Water- Pour fresh filtered water into a large pitcher. Add cucumber slices from one medium sized organic cucumber, mint leaves, and chill. Top your glass with orange jest for a special twist. Enjoy this refreshing flavored water on a hot summer day!

• Fruit Infused Herb Water- Fruit infused herb water is another refreshing way to add flavorful antioxidants to your water. Simply pour fresh filtered water into a large pitcher add frozen fruit, berries, and herbs. Take a look at the table below for some ideas on different fruit, berry, and herb combinations.

The possibilities are endless....

• Add frozen berries to chilled water in place of ice.
• If you don't want the full flavor water drinks simply add berries and citrus zest to an empty ice cube tray, fill the tray with water, and freeze. Use the citrus berry ice cubes to flavor your water.
• Add a herbal tea bag to the fruit and berry water for an antioxidant punch.
• If you are craving a decadent dessert add vanilla flavored Stevia drops to strawberries and pear water. Yum!
• Or if you're looking for some zing add a splash of club soda to pure water and toss in a few frozen oranges, cranberries, or mango slices.

For more articles or information about the author Kelley Ward, PhD, RN, C please visit here.

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