The Best Bedtime Beverages For Weight Loss

In a game of word association, many things may come to mind when we say "drinks." But if we had to guess, "weight loss" isn't one of them. Thanks to sugary sodas, supersized shakes, and caloric cocktails, sippables have earned a pretty bad rap. But let's not forget: not all drinks are created equal. (Hello, detox water!) There are actually a number of beverages that can reduce stress, boost your metabolism, and accelerate your weight loss wins—especially if you enjoy them right before you hop into bed. Read on to find out what the best bedtime beverages are and to see results even faster, pair them with some of these 30 Things to Do 30 Minutes Before Bed to Lose Weight!

Rooibos Tea

Instead of sipping on a sugary bottled tea before bed, brew up a fresh cup of rooibos. The scarlet-hued tea comes from the red bush plant of South Africa and is naturally decaffeinated, so it won't interfere with your slumber (a major pillar of any weight loss plan). What's more, the tea is a potent source of aspalathin, a flavonoid that prevents stress-induced weight gain. For more insight into the best teas for your belly, pick up a copy of The 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Cleanse! Test panelists lost up to 10 pounds in one week!

Cow's Milk

If you had trouble sleeping as a child, chances are good your mom poured you a glass of milk and sent you back to bed—and this is one nighttime habit that you should stick to as an adult. Milk is rich in tryptophan and calcium, which have both been shown to improve sleep quality. And the better you sleep, the less cortisol (a stress hormone that boosts hunger) there will be in your system, making it easier to drop pounds. What's more, consuming protein, particularly casein protein from milk, can aid muscle formation and recovery while you sleep, according to a Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise study. Why's that relevant? The more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn at rest. For even more easy ways to scorch calories, check out these 35 Fun Ways to Lose Weight.

Grapefruit Juice

These days, sugar is public enemy number one—and for good reason! Excessive intake of the stuff is linked to obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease. That said, we'd normally advise against drinking juice. However, a recent Cell Reports study found that the moderate consumption of simple carbs (like juice) before bed can help regulate insulin secretion. Proper insulin secretion keeps circadian rhythms (AKA your sleep-wake cycle) on track, ensuring you'll get the kind of rest that's essential for weight loss. Plus, grapefruits are super low-cal (one medium fruit has just 82 calories) and high in vitamin C and potassium, making it a nutrition superhero. So, go ahead and pour yourself a small glass of no-sugar-added grapefruit juice before heading to bed. Or better yet, if you're feeling like an over-achiever, you can squeeze some yourself right from a fresh piece of fruit!

Eat This! Tip

Sticking to a small serving size is key! Consuming too much sugar before bed will spike your blood sugar too much and cause your body to store the excess sugar as fat.

Soy Milk

Tryptophan, the sleep-inducing amino acid that's found in regular milk, is also found in the low-cal soy variety. Once ingested, the brain uses it to create serotonin and melatonin, two of the body's most powerful natural sedatives.

Chamomile Tea

Drink up and drift off. This herbal tea increases the body's level of glycine, a chemical that relaxes muscles and nerves, sending you into a super deep sleep. An added benefit: Chamomile tea can significantly improve the physical symptoms related to lack of sleep. And in one German study, it even helped reduced levels of depression in the chronically sleep-deprived. Talk about a multitasker! Motivated to make the most of your chance to snooze? Then don't miss these 7 Sleep Habits of Highly-Rested People.