Drinks to Lose Weight That Actually Help You Shed Pounds
- 2 Minute Read
Searching online for the “best drinks to lose weight” brings up detox teas, apple cider vinegar shots, and those “metabolism-boosting” concoctions promising quick results. But do they actually work? and what really are the best weight-loss drinks? Let's dive into what a MyNetDiary dietitian has to say about the best drinks to lose weight.
Key Takeaways
- No single one of the popular drinks to lose weight works on its own, it's all about your overall calorie balance over time.
- Water is the champ when it comes to weight loss–it's got zero calories and keeps you hydrated, which may help with weight management.
- Log your drinks in MyNetDiary to see exactly how many calories you save by choosing water, black coffee, or seltzer over sugary drinks.
A weight-loss drink sounds awesome, maybe even too good to be true. But here's the truth–no one drink can magically lead to weight loss. That comes from a consistent calorie deficit built through the right food choices, regular activity, and sticking to your goals. Still, what you drink matters. Some drinks to lose weight support your goals by keeping calories low and hunger in check, while others—such as alcohol and soda—may work against you. Here's a rundown of the weight-loss drinks worth your time.
Best drinks for weight loss
There isn't one perfect drink for weight loss, but some drinks to lose weight are better than others.
Water
It's no contest–water is, without question, the best drink for weight loss. It has zero calories, so you can drink it all day without it eating into your calorie budget.
A lot of folks confuse hunger with thirst, grabbing food when their bodies really want something to drink. Prioritizing water and staying hydrated can help you tell the difference. If you're well-hydrated, you might not reach for snacks as much. Drinking enough water also helps with digestion, energy, and exercise, all of which can help your weight-loss journey.
Unsweetened seltzer water
If plain water gets boring, give unsweetened seltzer water a try. One of the simplest weight-loss drinks, unsweetened seltzer is just bubbly water. It's a fun twist for hydration and a way to prevent beverage boredom with flavor options and carbonation. The carbonation can also help you feel full–a great help between meals. Just double-check labels, since some sparkling waters may sneak in sugar or juice concentrates. A tiny bit won't hurt, but if you're guzzling multiple bottles a day, the sugar can add up quickly!
Black coffee
Black coffee is one of the few drinks to lose weight that may genuinely make a difference. Caffeine slightly boosts your metabolism, so you might burn a few more calories. One meta-analysis found that caffeine is linked to lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass, and the greater the intake, the greater the reductions. Just keep an eye on how much caffeine you're consuming and how it affects your body. For some, high doses can bring on anxiety and jitters. All adults should stick to less than 400 milligrams per day.
Remember, the weight-loss benefits here apply only to black coffee, which has virtually no calories. It's the cream, sugar, and syrups that turn it into a calorie bomb.
Green tea
Green tea is worth mentioning. It contains catechins, plant compounds that might aid fat metabolism. Some studies suggest that drinking catechin-enriched green tea could help with reducing body weight, fat mass, and waist circumference. But don't expect it to work miracles alone. It may be added to an overall weight-loss plan for extra support. Still, research shows inconsistent results with modest effects. If you're looking to switch things up, give green tea a go, but keep it plain without sugar, milk, or creamer.
Nonfat milk
Among weight-loss drinks, nonfat (skim) milk delivers protein and calcium with few calories. Plus, dairy itself may contribute to weight management. One large analysis found that adults with more dairy in their diets lost more body weight and fat mass and less muscle mass, than those who didn't. Choosing skim (or nonfat) milk gives a little protein punch, roughly 8 grams per cup. Choosing it over whole milk cuts calories and not protein, which is why milk checks the box for drinks that help you lose weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a drink that burns fat fast?
Nope. Coffee, green tea, and similar drinks to lose weight have modest metabolism-boosting effects, but you won't see fast, dramatic fat loss.
What is the best drink for weight loss?
Water gets the prize as the best drink for weight loss. It's calorie-free and hydrates you.
Is black coffee better than green tea for weight loss?
Neither is superior; both are weight-loss drinks that fit well into a weight-loss plan as low-calorie alternatives to sugary drinks. Both are backed by some research for weight loss, but each works differently to achieve the results. Caffeine influences your body’s metabolism, while green tea catechins may influence fat burning.
Can I drink diet soda while trying to lose weight?
Yes! You can add diet soda to your stockpile of favorite weight-loss drinks. It's a good low-calorie or even no-calorie alternative to regular soda.
Start with free,
accurate tracking today
Alcohol & Other Beverages->Coffee & Tea Alcohol & Other Beverages->Water
Sep 9, 2026
