#1 Water
You might think that water is a no-brainer because, duh, it has no calories! But H2O has even more qualities that make it extremely useful for weight loss. Researchers have found that your resting energy expenditure (or the number of calories burned while still) can increase up to 24-30% within 10 minutes of drinking water. It also helps the kidneys and liver do their thing, and staying hydrated also helps to satisfy your appetite. In fact, many people confuse hunger for thirst. Next time you think you need to grab a snack, try downing a glass of water first and see how you feel.
#2 Green Tea
Green teas have two major ingredients that aid in releasing weight: caffeine and antioxidants. Caffeine is a stimulant known to increase calorie expenditure and improve performance during exercise. A cup of green tea contains 24-40 mg of caffeine. Green tea also contains a powerful antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—another metabolism booster—which can help break down excess fat in the body.
#3 Lemon water
Lemon water has not been proven to increase metabolism or detoxification. But dropping some lemon juice in your water is a great low-calorie option to flavor—what many consider to be—a boring beverage. So if you're having trouble downing enough water during the day, try squeezing this fruit into your drink. Lemon juice is also packed with vitamin C, which can improve your immunity, increase iron absorption, and help reduce your risks of certain cancers.
#4 Tea with ginger,
This powerful root's role in weight loss has more to do with reversing symptoms that often hinder people from losing weight. For example, ginger has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent cardiovascular damage and other stressors. Thanks to a compound called gingerol, ginger can improve blood sugar levels and reduce "bad" cholesterol. Some research also suggests that drinking ginger water before meals can help your tummy feel full.
#5 Fresh raw fennel
Fennel water is a clutch because it helps reduce indigestion, which can contribute to weight gain. The antibacterial properties in fennel seeds will help to maintain a healthy gut and allow you to process food more easily. Despite what some health gurus say, scientists are still studying whether or not fennel makes a good appetite suppressor. Regardless, if you love the taste of licorice, fennel tea might be a nice, sweet, low-cal sip.
#6 Apple cider vinegar
The key weight-loss ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. Acetic acid can also improve metabolism, decrease insulin levels, and curb cravings. One study conducted on people with type 1 diabetes found that apple cider vinegar slows the rate at which food empties from your stomach. This means that adding a few spoons of it to your drinks could help you feel fuller, longer. Just a warning, though: Consuming beverages that are high in acid can erode your teeth and aggravate heartburn.
#7 Black tea
Cup of green tea
Like green tea, black tea contains caffeine (about 47 mg), a stimulant that speeds up metabolism. But black tea is unique because it contains an abundance of polyphenols. These compounds have the capacity to reduce calorie intake, increase healthy bacteria in the gut, and promote fat breakdown.
#8 Ajwain water
Trachyspermum Ammi, Ajwain seeds in a wooden scoop with some leaves on a gunny background.
In Ayurvedic practices, ajwain or carom seeds have been used to treat ulcers and indigestion, contributing to weight gain and bloating. Carom seeds are said to have and antibacterial qualities that can kill off any buggers in your gut. Regarding its direct effect on weight loss, more studies need to be conducted, but some ajwain tea could have some overall positive effects on digestive health.
#9 Protein shakes
Chocolate whey protein powder with a filled scoop
If you really want to feel full, try dumping some protein powder in your morning shakes. Protein is a macronutrient that keeps your stomach feeling satisfied. It activates hormones like GLP-1, which reduces hunger sensations and decreases ghrelin, a hormone that controls your appetite. So whether it's whey, pea, hemp, or rice protein, choose whatever suits your digestive needs. But make sure to read the labels, so you are not consuming a product with too much sugar or any harmful ingredients.
#10 Vegetable juice
three glasses of different fresh juice beet, carrot, and kiwi juices on grey background
Fruit juice may be high sugar, but fresh vegetable juice is a great low-carb drink. Many people know that veggie juice is chockfull of vitamins and nutrients that are vital to overall health. But researchers have also found that people who drink a lot of veggie juice increase their vegetable consumption. This could help a person lose weight, especially considering that veggies contain a lot of fiber, which can stave off hunger pangs.
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