5 Best Juices to Drink to Maximize Weight Loss, According to Science
Summer is nearly here and that means sweet drinks are coming back into style and what better way to stay hydrated during the sweltering months than with a glass of homemade, nourishing juice in hand?
Bottled fruit and vegetable juices often get a bad reputation—this is because some brands sneak in added sugars to the mix, with the exception of bottles that clearly say "100% fruit juice" on the label. One way you can make sure you're avoiding consuming a bunch of refined sugar is to make your own juice right at home. Not to mention, this DIY method gives you full control of how much fruit you want to include and the freedom to toss other fruits into the juicer, as well.
Below, we share just five juice options you'll want to sip on this summer to help those winter pounds melt right off while also giving you plenty of key vitamins and minerals. And after, be sure to check out 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work for more inspiration!
Watermelon juice
Can you think of anything more refreshing than an ice-cold glass of watermelon juice? There are so many different health benefits that you could receive from eating watermelon, from recovering better from intense workouts to reducing the risk of certain cancers. Additionally, watermelon is very hydrating—after all, 92% of the fruit's composition is water!
Sometimes when we're not hydrated, we tend to crave sugary things. So, opting for a glass of sweet watermelon juice could not only satisfy that craving (in a healthy way) but the beverage will also hydrate you, as well, and enable you to feel fuller. There's plenty of science to back this up, too. For example, one 2019 study found that after people ate 2 cups of fresh watermelon each day for a month, they experienced significant reductions in body weight, belly fat, hunger, and food cravings.
Pomegranate juice
Pomegranates are loaded in many polyphenols (antioxidants) as well as vitamin C, with just one pomegranate containing 28 milligrams of vitamin C and satisfying 31% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adult men and about 37% of the RDA for women. Not only can this beverage help to support your immune system but it may also help you keep excess weight off.
One study found that pomegranate juice inhibited weight gain in mice that were fed a high-fat diet. Other research suggests that the fruit may even help to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and crashes, which can lead to feelings of hunger.
Kale-apple juice
If you're not a fan of kale salads, have you considered getting your daily dose of the leafy green in another way? If you haven't tried kale-apple juice, then you may want to consider giving it a shot—the sweetness from the apple can help cut back on the bitterness of the kale! Not to mention, the two make a great duo for weight loss efforts as both are rich in satiating fiber. Research suggests that apples in particular can help promote weight loss in both children and adults.
Celery juice
"Celery juice is an extremely low-calorie juice that could support weight loss," says Brenda Braslow, MS and registered dietitian for the calorie and nutrition tracking app, MyNetDiary. "It has only 33 calories for 16 ounces and offers 3 grams of fiber so it could help with fullness. It would be a great addition to a low-calorie smoothie."
Now, be sure to check out What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Celery, Say Experts.
Prune juice
If you're looking for a way to relieve constipation and bloat, prune juice is the way to go! While this beverage won't necessarily help you achieve fat loss on its own, it can help keep you regular and feel full. One 2014 study even found that prunes helped overweight and obese subjects lose weight by boosting satiety. When shopping for prune juice, make sure to purchase one that says "100% juice" on the label so you avoid all of those added sugars!
Now, be sure to check out 10 Fruit Juices to Always Leave on Grocery Store Shelves.
