The #1 Best Drink for Fat Loss, According to a Dietitian
You probably think we're going to say water, right? While water is super helpful to regularly drink during your weight loss journey (not to mention keeping you hydrated and giving you energy), we had to ask ourselves—is there another drink you can turn to for fat loss that seems a bit more exciting? In order to determine the best drink for fat loss, we spoke with a registered dietitian on what to sip on if you want to lose weight for good, and her answer did not disappoint.
"Water is always a great beverage for weight loss because it fills you up for zero calories. Plus, it helps you stay hydrated. But if you're looking for a little pick me up, that might help with weight loss, try green tea," says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook.
Here's why green tea is the best drink for fat loss, and for more helpful tips, be sure to check out our list of 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.
Green tea is the best drink for fat loss.
"Full of polyphenols (a plant nutrient) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG, a powerful antioxidant), there is some evidence to suggest green tea could help increase metabolic rate," says Goodson. "Studies show this isn't true for everyone, but may be true for some."
One of these studies was published by the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences where consumption of green tea on a daily basis has been linked to a decrease in body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference. And, it can even help to lower your blood pressure!
Along with an increased metabolic rate, green tea provides your body with a lot of natural sources of energy to keep you feeling revived.
"In addition, green tea contains caffeine, which can help mobilize free fatty acids as a source of energy," says Goodson. "Not to mention, if you drink tea before a workout, it might give you a little caffeine boost of energy to push harder at the gym. Long term, working harder at the gym can lead to more calories burned and eventually weight loss."
Plus, green tea can actually help to lower the "bad" LDL cholesterol in your system, according to a study published in the Nutrition Journal. And green tea has even been proven to help you live a longer life, according to the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
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Don't like green tea? Drink this instead.
Not into caffeine? Goodson says a great drink alternative is a low-fat milk because of its protein content.
"If caffeine isn't your thing, try a glass of low-fat milk," says Goodson. "For 100-120 calories per 8 ounces (depending on percent fat), you get 8 grams of high-quality protein. Protein helps you get full faster and stay full longer due to its slower digestion rate, thus possibly helping you combat hunger cravings.
So whether you're looking for something to sip on during the day (water), something warm to turn to when you need an energy boost (green tea), or something to fill you up and keep you filling strong (milk), all of these options can be the best drink for fat loss.
Love to drink tea daily? Here are 12 Side Effects of Drinking Tea Every Day.
