Summer can play really nasty and get you parched sooner than you can imagine. But the all the drinks you keep sipping all day to quench your thirst, are not doing any good for your waistline. Thankfully, there are many drinks that you can enjoy without feeling guilty as they may actually help with your weight loss.

Also read: Cool Down The Sun With These Refreshing Mocktails

Herbal water: In summers staying hydrated is of utmost importance and sipping on water all day can help keep your body fluid balanced and avoid dehydration and water retention. But if you think plain water is boring try this recipe for herbal water to beat the heat.

[caption id="attachment_11985" align="alignnone" width="537"] This herbal water will not only quench your thirst but also flatten your belly![/caption]

Ingredients:

A handful of fresh herbs (mint leaves, basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, etc)

4-5 wedges of lemon

Half a cucumber, thinly sliced

1 large sweet lime, peeled and deveined

1 liter of water

Method: In a large jug, add the water along with the rest of the ingredients and give a gentle stir. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight.

Watermelon smoothie: Watermelons are a great way to hydrate your body naturally, thanks to its water content. The added advantage of a watermelon based drink is that it contains lycopene (that fights cancer) and lots of other nutrients and amino acids that help boost your metabolism.

[caption id="attachment_11986" align="alignnone" width="640"] This delicious watermelon smoothie will revive your senses[/caption]

Ingredients:

A large bowl of watermelon, cubed

A pinch or two of salt

A sprig of mint leaves

One bowl of ice cubes

Method: Plop all the ingredients in a blender and blend until you get the desired consistency.

Also read: Beat The Heat With A Variety Of Flavoured Chhaas/Buttermilk

Iced peppermint tea: This chilled minty thirst quencher is super refreshing on a hot summer's day. And it's even more welcome especially since it acts as a belly flattener!

[caption id="attachment_11988" align="alignnone" width="420"] Iced peppermint tea[/caption]

Ingredients:

A handful of fresh peppermint leaves

1/4^th tsp organic peppermint extract

A glass of water

1/4^th tsp lemon juice

A slice of lemon to garnish

Method: Boil the water in a teapot or any vessel you use to make tea. Once it comes to a full boil, add the peppermint leaves and turn off the flame. Let the leaves sit in the water for a minute of two. Add the extract and lemon juice and give it a good stir. Strain and serve garnished with a slice of lemon.

Also read: Reasons to drink water

Chocolate smoothie: Yes, you read that right! No abstaining from chocolate as long as it's dark and not artificially sweetened. Chocolate not only acts as a mood lifter but also diminishes appetite and fights unnecessary cravings.

[caption id="attachment_11987" align="alignnone" width="630"] Believe it or not, chocolate smoothie also helps you lose weight[/caption]

Ingredients:

1 cup low fat or skimmed milk

1 cinnamon stick

1 tsp cocoa powder

2 tbsp semi-sweet dark chocolate, grated

1 tsp cocoa butter

1 tsp roasted peanuts, coarsely ground

Method: Blend the milk, cocoa powder, cocoa butter and the cinnamon stick in a smoothie maker or a blender. Strain and add the dark chocolate and ground peanuts and shake or use a hand-held whip to mix it well. Serve in a tall glass, garnished with some more grated chocolate.