Despite the massive promotional campaigns for drinks and shakes that claim to aid in weight loss, nutrition experts confirm that there are no magical drinks that instantly burn fat and eliminate belly fat, according to a report published on "Eat This Not That." Nutritionist Dr. Rachel Daikman states that there are preferred drinks to consume because they do not contribute to a larger belly, and some may help dissolve fat faster by curbing cravings for more calories that turn into belly fat or by increasing metabolism to enable the body to burn fat more efficiently, as follows:
1. **Calorie-Free Drinks**
Dr. Susan Borman explains that "sugar-sweetened beverages are high in calories and can contribute to elevated blood sugar and belly fat [but] it can be said that there is something that can be consumed that will help reduce belly fat." Dr. Borman further clarifies, "Calorie-free drinks, in general, will reduce the total calories consumed, which may help in shedding some weight. When weight is lost, the body loses belly fat known as visceral fat along with other fat deposits in the body." Scientific studies indicate that replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with low or zero-calorie drinks like water can accelerate the burning of belly fat. Studies have shown that increasing water intake can enhance metabolism, allowing the body to burn fat more effectively. In addition to water, some of the best calorie-free drinks include sparkling water, fruit-infused water, unsweetened iced tea, unsweetened red tea, and coffee without added sugar or milk.
2. **Green Tea**
Green tea contains caffeine and antioxidants, which are biologically active plant compounds. Dr. Daikman states, "These two key components have a chance to help enhance fat oxidation or the ability to burn fat," but that does not mean "just because [someone] drinks a lot of green tea means the fat will magically dissolve," indicating that a proper diet should be considered, avoiding excessive fried foods, carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
3. **Unsweetened Black Tea**
Black tea is rich in natural flavonoids and has been described as a heart-healthy beverage that can help lower blood pressure. Research indicates that the flavonoid compounds themselves may play a beneficial role in reducing belly fat.
4. **Coffee**
Dr. Daikman notes that some research has shown that consuming caffeinated beverages like coffee effectively suppresses appetite in some individuals, which may lead to reduced calorie intake and decreased belly fat. She explains that this is because "caffeine stimulates thermogenesis, which essentially drives our bodies to produce more heat and burn excess calories and energy."
5. **Whey Protein Shake**
Whey protein powders incorporated into shakes and other meal replacement drinks can be beneficial for fat and weight loss if used to avoid high-calorie snacks. Dr. Borman states that results from some studies have shown that high-protein diets are effective in weight loss because they prevent muscle loss and contribute to slowing metabolism. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. To help the body burn more calories, meals and drinks rich in protein should be selected for maximum effectiveness.
