5 Flat Belly Drinks

Holiday indulgences, lapsed gym memberships, and the perils of the office vending machine. These are just three of the many obstacles standing between you and the flat belly you’ve been dreaming of.

Of course, you know that there are a few changes you can make to your lifestyle in order to finally see those toned, flat abs. Portion control, clean and healthy ingredients, and regular exercise are all cornerstones of working toward a fit and toned body. But did you know that there are a few easy, delicious drinks that you can whip up to jumpstart your journey to flat abs? These flat belly drinks are low in calories, great for your digestion and metabolism, and are excellent at cleansing and detoxing the body. Cheers!

1. Lemon-Ginger Flat Belly Drink
It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can keep you fit and healthy. Why warm water? Because warm water aids digestion. Drink it first thing in the morning and get your digestive system off to a great start. Lemons are not only rich in vitamins, but also function in digestive and liver cleansing, which aids in weight loss. Ginger is a natural detoxifier and helps to kickstart the metabolism.

Combine 1 cup of warm (not hot) water with the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon, and 1 knob of ginger, grated.

2. Grapefruit and Rosemary Flat Belly Drink
This grapefruit and rosemary drink combines nutrients that are beneficial for your health. Freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice is a powerhouse containing vitamin C, which helps to detoxify the body and lower cholesterol. Rosemary helps to detoxify the liver, which improves digestion and increases blood flow.

Boil 1 cup of water with 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary needles (place in a tea infuser if available) and 1 tablespoon honey. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, remove the rosemary needles and allow to cool slightly. Combine the rosemary mixture with the freshly-squeezed juice of 1/2 grapefruit.

3. Cucumber-Ginger Flat Belly DrinkGinger has been used medicinally since ancient times. It has immune boosting powers, anti-inflammatory compounds, and relieves gastrointestinal issues. Cucumbers provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits.

Boil 1 cup of water with 1 (1-inch) knob of peeled ginger for 5 minutes. Remove ginger and if desired, add 1 teaspoon honey, and allow to cool. Add a few slices of cucumber and ice if desired.

4. Blueberry-Carrot Smoothie Flat Belly Drink
Two of the best sources of antioxidants in one rich drink? Start your day the healthy way with fresh fruits and veggies containing the vitamins and minerals that our bodies crave. To keep that slim waistline, use non-fat milk or yogurt.

Combine 1 cup of non-fat milk or yogurt in the blender along with 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries, 1 small peeled carrot, and 2 tablespoons whole oats. Add 1 teaspoon honey if desired. Blend until smooth. Enjoy this delicious breakfast flat belly drink!

5. Green Tea with Ginger Flat Belly DrinkGreen tea is a treasure trove of nutrients that help brain activity and lower cancer risk. Plus, green tea reduces the absorption of fat from the foods that we eat. Combine it with the nutrients and detoxifying benefits of ginger and you’ve got a delicious, healthy, and fat-reducing drink all-in-one.

Over medium-low heat, in a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1-inch ginger root, peeled and grated, then bring it to a boil and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Next, steep the green tea bag for 3 minutes in the ginger tea. Discard the teabag and drink while warm. Sweeten if desired with 1 teaspoon honey. For a cold tea, simply add ice and enjoy!

Note: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult with your physician before making any changes to your diet.