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Easy Homemade Detox Drinks for Weight Loss
The past year, for those of us lucky enough to be able to stay at home full-time, has become a time for trying new things: new food and drink recipes (ahem, Dalgona coffee), new skincare products, and even new fitness regimens or crazy diets. A new diet full of detox drinks might be among them.
For those new to the clean and green lifestyle, a juice cleanse may be scary. And while we don’t recommend ditching solid foods for a detox-drinks-only regimen, adding a few of these detox water recipes can be incredibly beneficial for your body and overall well-being.
Home-made detox drinks have been popular among fitness junkies and those who subscribe to the lifestyle for a while now. This is thanks to their multiple claimed health benefits: weight loss, a flat belly, full-body detoxification, and even clear skin. With the remarkable advantages our body gets from a detox diet, it’s hard not to see its allure.
The main idea of these detox drinks is to slice up a few fruits and vegetables, soak them in the water, and drink these water recipes in lieu of sugary — and therefore sinful — concoctions. The nutrients found in these natural sources is said to improve gut health, thus benefiting one’s digestive system and ability to flush out toxins. They’re great for what advocates call a body cleanse. Plus, they’re accessible and can be easily made at home with just a few key ingredients.
Despite the divided opinion of many health experts who believe that detox water’s health benefits are either complete myths or simply attributed to the many benefits of water itself, there’s no denying detox drink recipes have been helpful to plenty of people. They can up one’s water intake as well as incorporate more veggies and fruits into one’s diet. However, do note that these recipes are not to be substituted with real food. Our body needs solid food as well as added nutrition from these detox drinks to function optimally.
Thus, we’re going to give you a few detox water recipes. Pair these with a healthy lifestyle and regular workouts and you’ll be your healthiest self in no time. These detox drinks are perfect for those who are on the search for new concoctions to add to their juice cleanse, or for gals who simply want to shed a few pounds after the dreaded quarantine weight gain. If you belong to those groups of people, then your search might be over! Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of homemade detox drinks!
What homemade drink can I make to lose weight?
The primary goal of most detox drink recipes is weight loss and getting rid of toxins. This is because water itself has been shown to aid in weight loss, helping burn calories by temporarily raising one’s metabolic rate. Drinking water can significantly raise one’s metabolism as well as lessen one’s hunger, especially when done before a meal.
One study has found that water-drinking adults classified as overweight were able to lose 40% more weight than those who didn’t. The science backing water’s weight loss abilities has been well-documented, so even if you don’t have the time to prepare all of these detox water recipes, at least drink the recommended amount of water daily. You’ll be one step closer to the best weight loss journey!
That said, these detox drinks are a great way to improve one’s health and add much-needed nutrients into our everyday lives that are, more often than not, loaded with unhealthy toxins found in processed or sugary foods. So take notes, because we’re about to show you the best simple homemade detox drinks for weight loss!
Easy Detox Drink Recipes
Apple Cider Vinegar Detox
Apple Cider Vinegar has multiple uses. It’s often found in hair treatments, skincare products, and even as dressing for food. But you might not know that it’s also used in detox drinks. In fact, the use of apple cider vinegar for diet and detoxification dates back thousands of years.
What you’re getting: One of the main reasons for use of ACV is that it contains good bacteria for the gut. Apart from this, you’ll also find many enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that can help with weight control, increase potassium intake, and improve one’s immune function. While this is optional, adding cayenne pepper can jumpstart one’s metabolism, like many spicy foods.
This apple cider vinegar drink includes lemon juice and honey for a refreshing summertime concoction that will not only help you lose weight, but lessen belly fat and boost your immune system. For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Ingredients: Here’s what you’ll be needing:
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Honey
- 1-2 cups of cold water
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Stevia (optional)
How to make it: Mix your ACV, lemon juice, honey, and cayenne pepper in a glass of distilled water. Drink daily, either once a day or after every meal to achieve full body detoxification.
Green Tea Detox
This next recipe can barely be classified as a detox juice. It’s more of a detox tea, if anything, but it’s kind of the OG of detox drinks. Green tea has long been known to have wonderful toxin-clearing abilities. The taste isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended), but if you’re serious about a detox, then that probably won’t phase you. Let’s learn more about it’s nutrition value.
What you’re getting: When it comes to a full detox and losing visceral fat, the positive effects of green tea have been well-documented. Although less helpful in overall body weight loss, green tea is great when trying to detox and get rid of tummy fat. Plenty of green tea drinkers have been shown to lose abdominal fat, which is a common form of visceral fat, the kind that is highly linked to heart disease and other serious health concerns. This detox drink is powerful, to say the least.
Green tea’s antioxidants, catechins, and mineral compounds work together to help prevent serious illnesses down the line while also improving one’s bodily functions in the present. It’s a great detox tea for this reason.
Ingredients you’ll need: All you need to prepare are green tea leaves, hot water, and a sieve, although the last one is optional as you can just let the leaves sit in your mug if you prefer.
How to make it: Heat water in a pot or temperature-controlled kettle until just before boiling point. It’s important not to fully boil the water so that your tea doesn’t taste bitter. Add the leaves or use a sieve to let steep. Drink once a day or after each meal.
Green Detox Juice
While sounding similar to our previous detox drink, this recipe is made up of green vegetables. We all know that green, leafy vegetables make up the “glow” food group our body needs. While a green detox drink is not a substitute for actual unprocessed veggies in our diet, it’s a great way to get a quick fix of the much-needed nutrition found in these leafy greens. Plus, it’s something you can make right at home.
What you’re getting: From prebiotics that support the growth of healthy bacteria in one’s digestive tract to reduced risk of heart disease, compounds found in a fresh green detox juice can help improve bodily functions in more ways than one. It also includes carrots which are rife in beta carotene, a compound that our body converts into vitamin A. The vitamin can improve eye health and protect our body from serious eye diseases down the line.
Often, you’ll hear a green detox juice touted as a miracle drink that aids in getting rid of harmful toxins in the body for a longer, healthier life. But apart from giving our system a much-needed cleanse, this detox drink also is said to aid in weight loss and reduce inflammation. Don’t worry if veggies aren’t exactly to your taste; there’s enough natural sweetness in this detox juice drink to make it palatable.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 3 carrots
- 3 kale leaves
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 beets
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ bunch of spinach
- ½ cabbage
- ½ bunch of parsley
- ½ onion
- Almond milk
How to make the recipe: In a juicer, blend all the ingredients until fully combined. Pour into a glass and drink daily.
Cranberry Juice Detox Water
What you’re getting: Cranberry juice can be a great source of vitamin C, manganese, and other potent antioxidants that can cleanse vital organs in our body, specifically the colon. Many anecdotal evidence also shows that a cranberry detox water drink helps in digestive health. This refreshing drink not only helps remove toxins, but can stave off weight gain as well, promoting a full-body detox.
Ingredients you’ll need: Like the lemon juice in the detox drink we recommended above, it makes a huge difference if you use fresh cranberry juice. Freshly squeezed fruit juice has none of the added sugars we’re trying to avoid in the first place, and using store-bought juice might take us a few steps back in our weight loss journey.
- 1 cup cranberry juice, freshly squeezed OR no sugar added
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
How to make it: Mix all of the above ingredients in a glass. Serve refrigerated or as is.
Lemon Water Detox
This is probably one of the most common detox drink recipes, and for good reason. You’ve probably seen many people carrying around water bottles with a sliced lemon sitting at the bottom. So, what exactly is the deal with lemon water?
What you’re getting: Lemon water is said to have great cleansing and weight loss abilities. This is attributed to lemon’s high amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce chances of heart disease and stroke in the long run.
Ingredients you’ll need: The ratio varies, but plenty of sources agree that you’ll need 1 lemon for every 8 glasses of water. So, for this detox water drink, it’s best to prepare a large pitcher so you can refill your glass every time you run out!
How to make the recipe: Slice your lemon into thin strips then place at the bottom of a large water pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to very gently mash the lemon, releasing its juices. Add 8 cups of cold water into the pitcher then refrigerate for at least an hour. Ice cubes optional, but highly recommended for this scorching summer season.
Lemon Ginger Detox Water
You’ve heard of lemon ginger tea, an all-time favorite in plenty of households. It’s another one of the staple recipes we reach out for when we’re feeling under the weather. True enough, when it comes to hot drink or detox recipes with healing properties, a lemon ginger tea is never far from the top of the list!
What you’re getting: Ginger lemonade is a wonderful drink full of nutrients, including citric acid. Most people attribute it to lemon’s potent antioxidant properties, cleansing each organ in the body, especially the liver, from deep within. Some also say that lemon is an important ingredient for detoxing, which is why you’ll find it in plenty of the recipes we’ve mentioned above. Ginger is also said to relieve nausea, lower blood sugar, treat chronic indigestion, and even alleviate symptoms of morning sickness. Now, you’ll understand why ginger lemonade is a power duo.
Ingredients you’ll need: All you need is freshly-squeezed lemon juice, lemon slices, one whole ginger, and a glass of water. You may also add a dash of ground turmeric to increase the ginger’s bioavailability.
How to make the recipe: Thinly slice your ginger then soak it in your cup of water. Add the lemon juice, then top with the sliced lemon. Mix in a dash of ground turmeric, and you’re good to go! Again, ice cubes are optional, but they make the drink a little more refreshing.
Orange Ginger Detox Juice
For this next recipe, we’re creating a home-made orange and ginger potion. Lesser known yet just as packed with vital nutrients, this detox drink can be just what you need to lose those stubborn pounds and cleanse your system. If you’re thinking of adding a citrusy twist to your detoxing regimen, this is the perfect weight loss drink for you.
What you’re getting: Orange juice (freshly squeezed, that is) has a mountain of benefits that we don’t realize. Without all of the added sugars that come in the store-bought kind, the fresh juice from oranges is rife with folate (a B-vitamin), potassium, and of course, vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that plays an important role in our immune system.
Ingredients you’ll need: The turmeric and carrots are optional, but can make this detox drink an even more powerful antioxidant. To start, prepare the following:
- 2 oranges
- 1 large carrot
- ½ inch raw turmeric
- ½ inch ginger
- 1 lemon, squeezed
How to make it: First, juice your carrot and oranges and put in a blender with the turmeric and ginger. Blend on high speed for around 30 seconds, then top with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Drink this detox juice every morning for the best results!
FINAL NOTE
Bottom line, detox drinks are perfect for those of us who might have trouble keeping up with a super healthy diet. They’re also a superb alternative to sugary juice drinks. At best, they’re going to clean out our organs of toxins and keep us sound in body and mind and at the very least, these detox recipes are going to give us incentive to just drink more water. A win-win situation in my book!
Do you have any detox water recipes you swear by? Share them with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!
Now that you’re here, don’t forget to stop by our skincare reviews and fashion blogs for more style tips and tricks!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to lose weight and detox?
Detoxing can be a bit dangerous if done in the extreme, but it can also be an effective method to rid the body of harmful chemicals when done in moderation. As for weight loss, diet (this includes our detox drinks mentioned!) and proper exercise is the key. Here are a few tips shared by experts in an article from The Hour:
- Add more food rich in fiber into your diet.
- Skipping food and drinks with refined sugars can make a huge difference in one’s weight.
- Drinking water before meals also helps lessen hunger, therefore aiding in reducing one’s caloric intake.
- Protein is your best friend, as it helps retain needed muscle mass while you lose fat or unhealthy weight.
- Don’t fall for “diet sodas,” as these can actually lead to weight gain instead of weight loss, a study shows.
- Don’t try an intense detox diet, as this can lead to binge-eating. Instead, slowly cut down food portions in every meal.
- Eat home-made food — apart from having control over the ingredients used, you’ll be able to monitor portions as well as cut down on unhealthy preservatives or high amounts of sodium found in takeout food.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. While eating more as opposed to less sounds counterintuitive to weight gain, the right food can make us feel full faster without all the unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats.
What is the best detox drink to lose weight?
Since our individual bodies are incredibly different, weight loss won’t be a one-size-fits-all process. Detox drinks may also work differently for each one of us. However, notable detox water recipes like the ones mentioned above are all claimed to have potent weight loss benefits.
What is the best drink to flush your system?
The detox drinks mentioned above have wonderful health benefits and can give your body the cleansing it needs. These recipes are loaded with antioxidants that work overtime to boost the immune system of our body and protect it from harmful chemicals.
Water alone has incredible health benefits; it lubricates the joints in our body, delivers oxygen to vital organs, cushions sensitive tissues in our brain and spinal cord, and even clears up dehydrated skin.
Paired with the fruits and vegetables found in the detox recipes above, you can flush your system of harmful toxins. Do note that a detox needs to be done in supplement to a healthier, cleaner diet and regular exercise. The concept of an intense “detox” without any food or other activities can be extreme in the least and dangerous at worst, so make sure to detox carefully!
Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.
