Homade Natural Lemonade
I spent years as a Diet Coke Addict. In the early days, I had many food vices, but as coffee, wine and chocolate became healthy, it was all I had left. Now even that is gone; you see… I have given it up.
Trouble is, I still relish the flavor. I know how the ex-smoker feels. Plain old ordinary water (air??) is great after a workout, but what if you feel like indulging (which would be, I admit … daily)?
Always alert to weight issues, I don’t do heavily sugared drinks or juices and I refuse to douse myself in artificial sweeteners except an occasional bit of stevia.
Hot coffee, my winter salvation, is great for breakfast but once the mercury hits 75, it loses its refreshment value.
So what’s a girl to do? My mission this summer is to find cool beverages that are natural and don’t pack on the pounds.
Here is my first:
Homemade Natural Lemonade
Ingredients (Single Serving)
- 1 lemon
- 8 -12 oz water, depending on size of lemon
- 1/8 – 1/4 t liquid stevia, or to taste (or sugar pre-dissolved in water)
Directions
1. Squeeze lemon into large glass.
2. Add water and sweetener, adjusting to your taste (and lemon size)
Stevia Sweetener for Lemonade
3. Serve.
I find Homemade Lemonade an ideal summer beverage because it provides some vitamin C, is low in calories (approximately 25 cal), and easy to make in single servings. While I don’t use stevia regularly (it tends to taste bitter to me), I find it delicious in lemonade. And using a liquid form means there are no problems dissolving it.
Tip: If you are like lemonade, invest in a citrus press. Built like a large garlic press, it makes squeezing lemons a piece of cake and even strains out the seeds!
What is your favorite summer beverage?
I’ll have to give this a try since I’m a current Diet Coke addict!
You know, they say that Coke drinkers are smarter than Pepsi drinkers!
I’m a huge fan of the citrus press. And of fresh lemonade. But my favorite low- (or no-) calorie summer beverage is iced tea. I like it unsweetened, and I try to keep a pitcher of it in the fridge all summer long.
I am definately going to need to think more about iced tea–and perhaps go pitcher shopping!
I’m so glad I never got “hooked” on soda. I drink plenty of water but yes, once in a while something else is required. LOVE, love home made lemonade. I haven’t tried Stevia yet though.
Thanks for sharing, Inger…
P.S. Can’t wait to see what other natural beverage you uncover. Save one for the Picnic Game. I’ll be blogging about it late Sunday:)
I’m almost ready to break out the hot buttered rum for my next beverage–we’re back down to a high of 54 from the 90′s earlier this week. Picnic Game sounds fun–assuming it gets warm enough to picnic again