When it comes to weight loss, there’s no lack of diets promising fast results. There are low-carb diets, high-carb diets, low-fat diets, grapefruit diets, cabbage soup diets, and blood type diets, to name a few. But no matter what diet you may try, to lose weight, you must take in fewer calories than your body uses. Most people try to reduce their calorie intake by focusing on food, but another way to cut calories may be to think about what you drink.

Choose water, diet, or low-calorie beverages instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. For a quick, easy, and inexpensive thirst-quencher, carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Don’t “stock the fridge” with sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, keep a jug or bottles of cold water in the fridge.

Serve water with meals. Make water more exciting by adding slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or watermelon, or drink sparkling water.

Add a splash of 100% juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.

When you do opt for a sugar-sweetened beverage, go for the small size. Some companies are now selling 8-oz. cans and bottles of soda, which contain about 100 calories.

Be a role model for your friends and family by choosing healthy, low-calorie beverages.

– Courtesy of the Center for Disease Control.