7 Healthy Replacements to Soft Drinks

Cut back on soft drinks - or replace them entirely! – Which is easy to say, but hard to do. Fortunately, if you're trying to break your habit, there are a few different options that are better for your body. Moving forward, find seven healthy soft drink alternatives that are worth a sip, the benefits of quitting soft drinks forever, and tips on how to break the habit once and for all.

1. Lemonade

Can't give up your favorite citrus-flavored soda? Indulge in an occasional treat with a healthier version made with lemon or lime and a small amount of sweetener. Start with a glass of sparkling or seltzer water and add a few slices of lemon or lime (or both) and a dash of stevia-based sweetener, which is calorie-free and low in carbohydrates.

2. Red Wine

If your drink of choice is a spirit mixed with cola, you may be better off ordering a glass of wine, specifically the red variety. There is also research investigating resveratrol, an antioxidant compound in red wine, and the protective effect it may have against Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

3. Fresh Vegetables Juice

Vegetable juice offers a quick, low-calorie way to get many of the benefits of veggies, without fiber. It also contains much less natural sugar than fruit juice.

4. Iced Tea

Unsweetened iced tea is a super-refreshing healthy alternative to soft drinks. "Plus, the caffeine content is a natural pick-me-up," Armul says. "Don’t turn your iced tea into sweet tea with tons of added sugar, though.

5. Coffee

A wealth of research suggests that drinking coffee in moderation can be a healthy part of your diet. There’s nothing better than a cup of coffee if you want some beverage. Unsweetened coffee, either black or with a small amount of nonfat or low-fat milk, would be the healthiest option.

6. Coconut Water

Unsweetened coconut water is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, and has the added benefit of being low in sugar. The researchers also found that coconut water also contains less sodium but contains electrolytes (minerals that help maintain fluid balance), and was just as effective as a sports drink for rehydrating after a 90-minute run while causing less nausea and stomach upset.

7. Infuse Your Water with Delicious Flavor

Plain H2O is the healthiest substitute for soda. A healthier choice is natural flavoring: Just add slices of your favorite fruits, veggies, and herbs — try lemons, oranges, watermelon, cucumber, mint, or limes — to a pitcher of ice-cold water for a refreshing and flavorful drink.