If you're following a low-carb eating plan, liquids can be the enemy. Some of the tastiest drinks have tons of sugar -- and carbs. Some of the worst culprits are:

• Lemonade
• Iced coffee drinks
• Hot chocolate
• Flavored water
• Soda

Fortunately, most drinks out there have a low-carb equivalent. To check them out, read the original article from eDiets.

My favorite low-carb drink is Iced Tea, home brewed and sweetened with just a touch of Splenda. Rooibos and peppermint teas are the tastiest if you ask me. What about you?

Source

Though last week's extreme heat wave seems to have broken, it's still pretty hot out there. Keeping yourself hydrated in summer weather is very important. Water may be the best thing you can drink for your health, but this article from Fitness Magazine lists 8 other beverages that can offer other health benefits while contributing to your daily fluid intake. They include:

• green tea
• mint tea
• low-fat milk
• soy milk
• hot chocolate
• low sodium tomato juice
• cranberry juice
• orange juice

What do you think about this list? I think there are some semi-controversial drinks there -- including milk (some people are allergic), hot chocolate (packaged brands may include additives), and soy milk -- that some people may argue don't qualify as one of "the healthiest" drinks or may have concerns about. Everything in moderation, right? Read the full article here, then come back and tell us what you think!

Source

I'm a huge fan of cocoa -- and I don't mean the pre-packaged "hot chocolate" mixes you find in most grocery stores. Pure cocoa tastes a little odd (kind of like ground cinnamon), but it's great for your body when eaten in pure, unadulterated form.

What's not good for your body are the "hot chocolate" mixes that are sometime labeled as "hot cocoa" incorrectly. These products, by and large, have partially-hydrogenated oils and refined sugars in them, which make them taste good at the same time they are being very bad for your health.

Ever try straight Hershey's Cocoa on your breakfast cereal? It may taste odd at first if eaten straight or mixed with other natural herbs, but in terms of being good for you, acclimating to the taste of raw cocoa is worth it if you ask me.

Source

There's nothing better than a steaming mocha latte on the way to work on a frosty morning, or a big cup of hot chocolate during a snow storm. But unfortunately those cozy moments of seemingly small indulgences can really add up in the form of calories in your cup and inches on your waist. But iVillage.com has some low-cal alternatives that keep those "winter woolies" feelings but lose the guilt trip.

Being somebody who usually has a hard time with "diet" versions of anything, I was excited to see the first item on the list was something I already love: mocha coffee! Take one packet of sugar-free hot chocolate and mix it with a cup of coffee, instead of water. Compared to a coffee house mocha latte, this version will cut about 190 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 17 grams of sugar. And it really tastes good!

Other recipes for healthy hot drinks include egg nog and pumpkin spice lattes, and even a few of the dietician's personal favorites.

Source