Healthy Updates to Your Favourite Summer Drinks

During patio season, it's easy to overindulge on sugary drinks. Because we don't want to give them up, we've given them a healthy update.

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healthy summer drinks
Photo Credit: Pexels

The World Health Organization recommends limiting sugar to 12 teaspoons a day, but Canadian consumption comes in at about 20, with the bulk of that in the form of fluids. Try these simple drink updates that cut down on the sweet stuff without affecting your enjoyment levels. After all, there are so many reasons why cuting back on sugar is good for your health, but summer’s far too short to eliminate sweet sips completely. (Find out if you’re eating too much sugar.)

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healthy summer drink
Photo Credit: Geoffrey Ross

THE SIP: Classic Slushy (355 ml)

The Swap: Watermelon Slush (355 ml)

How: Combine 1 cup seedless watermelon, 2 or 3 ice cubes, 3 mint sprigs and a splash of lime juice and blend until smooth.

The Save: 114 cal + 32 grams sugar

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healthy summer drink
Photo Credit: Geoffrey Ross

THE SIP: Soda (330 ml)

The Swap: Grapefruit Fresca(448 ml)

How: Combine 1 cup soda water with ½ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and a handful of ice and add stevia for extra sweetness.

The Save: 114 cal + 32 grams sugar

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healthy summer drink
Photo Credit: Geoffrey Ross

THE SIP: Bottled Ice Tea (500 ml)

The Swap: DavidsTea Organic La La Lemon on ice (500 ml)

How: Add 1 to 2 tbsp tea leaves to 295 mL hot water, steep for five minutes and top with ice.

The Save: 160 cal + 43 grams sugar

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healthy summer drink
Photo Credit: Geoffrey Ross

THE SIP: Rosé (250 ml)

The Swap: Truly Spiked & Sparkling Rosé (355 ml)

How: Couldn’t be simpler. Just chill and enjoy.

The Save: 72 cal + 4 grams sugar

Next: The Healthiest Sugar to Eat, Bake With and Mix Into Your Tea, According to a Dietitian

Originally Published in Best Health Canada

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