I once heard a really useful piece of lifestyle advice: “I don’t drink calories.” For some reason it had never occurred to me that our beverages can easily contribute a ton of calories, generally in the form of sugar. If you started paying attention to how many grams of sugar are in your typical drinks, your face would probably get a little weird. I know mine did. And our kids! Oh my goodness! The habits that we’re instilling in them that will just set them back! It’s been a really long time now, but we almost never have soda at home and juice is pretty limited too. What we do drink is about to be a stepping stone to something better. There are more changes-a-coming!

We definitely do drink plain water as well, but aside from that our beverage of choice is flavored sparking water. Which is all fine and well, but the aspartame… Yeah. That’s gotta go. I don’t need that inflammation in my body. One simple solution is to buy it without aspartame, and I do plan to, but I’d like to branch out a little more than that. Obviously the price of groceries is insane so I’m not trying to get crazy. In the meantime, this the result of my initial quest to stop drinking aspartame in the spirit of a healthier lifestyle and less inflammation.

1. Plain Sparkling Water with Natural Flavors

• How to make it satisfying: You can add your own natural flavors to plain sparkling water, like squeezing fresh lemon, lime, or adding a few slices of cucumber or mint leaves. These options are calorie-free and offer a refreshing taste without any artificial sweeteners.
• Cost-effective: Buying a large bottle of plain sparkling water (like LaCroix, Polar or store brands) is often cheaper than buying flavored ones. The cost of fresh fruits or herbs can be minimal if you buy them in bulk.

2. Infused Water

• How to make it satisfying: Simply infuse still or sparkling water with fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Examples include berries, orange slices, or even ginger. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a few days.
• Cost-effective: Buying fruits in bulk and making your own infused water is very inexpensive, and you can experiment with different flavors.

3. Herbal Tea (Iced or Hot)

• How to make it satisfying: Brew your favorite herbal tea (like mint, chamomile, or hibiscus) and let it cool. You can drink it iced or hot, and it’s naturally calorie-free. You can add a bit of stevia or monk fruit if you want extra sweetness without the calories.
• Cost-effective: Loose-leaf or bagged herbal teas are generally quite affordable, and you can make large batches at a time.

4. Carbonated Water with a Splash of Apple Cider Vinegar

• How to make it satisfying: Mix a small splash of apple cider vinegar into sparkling water. You can add a tiny bit of stevia or a few drops of vanilla extract to sweeten it naturally. Apple cider vinegar has a unique tang that many find satisfying.
• Cost-effective: Apple cider vinegar is inexpensive and lasts a long time, making this a cheap and healthy alternative.

5. Kombucha (Low-Sugar Varieties)

• How to make it satisfying: Kombucha is a naturally fermented drink with bubbles and a tangy taste. You can look for low-sugar versions to keep the calorie count low, or make your own at home.
• Cost-effective: Buying kombucha can be a bit pricier than sparkling water, but making it at home is very affordable if you purchase a kombucha brewing kit or starter culture.

6. Flavored Electrolyte Powders (Zero-Calorie)

• How to make it satisfying: There are electrolyte powders and drink mixes (like those from brands such as Nuun or Ultima) that are low-calorie or zero-calorie and come in a variety of fruit flavors. Just mix them with sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
• Cost-effective: Electrolyte powders can be a bit more expensive initially, but they are cost-effective in the long run, especially when purchased in bulk.

7. Coconut Water (with no added sugar)

• How to make it satisfying: If you’re okay with a slight calorie intake (usually around 40-60 calories per cup), coconut water is naturally sweet and hydrating. You can mix it with sparkling water for a fizzy coconut drink.
• Cost-effective: While pre-bottled coconut water can be more expensive, buying it in bulk or in concentrated forms (powder or frozen) can make it more affordable.

Let me know if you give any of these a try or if you have any ideas to add! I’d love your input as we work out these new kinks!