Try These 5 Smart Alternatives to Soda

“I’m not eating very much, but I still don’t see the scale budging…”

What are you drinking?

When my clients tell me that they aren’t losing weight, there’s usually a culprit and it’s pretty simple to sleuth out:

What are you drinking besides water?

Soft drinks, juice, bottled tea and other liquids can be packed with hidden sugar, sodium and calories. Once these liquids are taken out of the equation, well… weight loss improves.

Here are five solid soda alternatives that still give you the flavor you desire:

Also called “fruit leaching,” it’s a simple way to amp up the taste of plain water. Simply slice some of your favorite fruits — like oranges, cucumbers, strawberries, watermelon and more, and add them to a pitcher of water. Allow the water to sit overnight to increase the flavor and allow the vitamins and minerals to be released into the liquid.

Green tea is not only calorie-free, but it’s packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that boost your immunity AND give you natural energy throughout the day. Enjoy it hot or cold, and brightened with a little lemon juice or a slice of ripe peach or a few muddled strawberries.

Sparkling water is an awesome alternative to soda — especially for those who love the pop and fizz of sodas. Add a lime, pour it into a wine glass and it’s the perfect “mocktail.” Add more flavor to your sparkling water with ripe seasonal fruits like berries, citrus and stone fruit; fresh herbs such as mint basil or lemon balm. Adding a few shakes of flavored bitters is another low-calorie way to take your sparkling water to a different level.

Some juices are great soda alternatives because they give you added fiber and vitamins! Most veggie juices are low calorie, however please read the nutrition labels — avoid anything high in sodium or sugar. Best best? Juice your own!

Coconut water has become an extremely popular drink. When it comes directly from the source, without additives, it’s filled with necessary vitamins and electrolytes, like potassium and phosphorous and very refreshing.