Besides Water, Drinks To Take If You Are Diabetic

Don’t forget that the beverages you drink can also have an effect on your system. It’s important to stay hydrated and water is simply your best choice, but besides water, here is a list of some alternative drinks for any diabetic.

Orange Juice

*Orange Juice

Orange Juice tastes good, but with 26 grams of carbs in one cup, you’re a lot better off eating a whole orange instead. The fibre will help keep you full. If you really want to drink it, try an orange-flavoured light fruit drink.

Lemonade

*Lemonade

Nothing says its hot, like this drink. But 16 ounces of a popular brand served at restaurants gives you 60 grams of carbs. Your best bet is to make lemonade at home. Mix water, fresh-squeezed lemons, zero-calorie sweetener, and ice for a truly refreshing beverage without a single carb or calorie in sight.

Apple Cider

*Apple Cider

Though it may be farm-fresh, the cider packs the same amount of carbs per serving as plain-old apple juice -- 26 grams per cup. Instead, choose a light apple juice cocktail, and you’ll cut the carbs and calories in half.

Hot Chocolate

*Hot Chocolate

It’s the ultimate in decadent drinks. Coffeehouse-style versions of this classic are packed with carbs. A typical medium hot chocolate made with low-fat milk has 60 grams. Good news: You can make your own satisfying mug for less than half that. Mix 1 cup of low-fat milk with 2 squares of 70% dark chocolate, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and a little cinnamon. Melt in a saucepan, and enjoy it for only 23 grams of carbs.

Fruit Smoothie

*Fruit Smoothie

One 12-ounce mango-flavoured smoothie from a popular chain, for example, has 58.5 grams of carbs. Substitute a homemade berry smoothie, with half a cup each of blueberries, strawberries, and banana. Blend with some ice and enjoy for about half the amount of carbs.

*Ginger Ale

A 20-ounce bottle can have 60 grams of carbs. You can have more of the zesty flavour with none of the sugar or carbs by adding a spoonful of finely grated ginger to a glass of seltzer water. Add a bit of your favourite zero-calorie sugar substitute, and enjoy.