3 Drinks That Have Helped ME Lose Over 100 Pounds
3 DRINKS THAT HAVE HELPED ME LOSE OVER 100 POUNDS! 🥤 is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 5 calories per serving. Recipe by Low Carb Love on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 15 min
Cost: $69.64 total, $69.64 per serving
Ingredients
- 250 ml Sparkling Water (plain, unsweetened)
- 15 ml Fresh Lemon Juice (about 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed)
- 5 ml Apple Cider Vinegar (raw, unfiltered if possible)
- 5 g Chia Seeds (about 1 teaspoon, raw)
- 0.5 g Salt (pinch of sea salt)
- 2 g Ultima Sweetener (Lemonade Flavor) (zero‑calorie, non‑nutritive sweetener)
- 250 ml Cold Water (for the smoothie, can substitute unsweetened almond milk)
- 2 g Ultima Sweetener (Pomegranate Cherry Flavor) (zero‑calorie, non‑nutritive sweetener)
- 4 pieces Ice Cubes (optional, for a thicker smoothie)
Instructions
Combine Sparkling Lemonade Base
Pour 250 ml sparkling water into a glass, add 15 ml fresh lemon juice, 5 ml apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt, 5 g chia seeds, and 2 g Ultima Lemonade‑flavor sweetener.
Time: PT2M
Let Chia Seeds Hydrate
Allow the mixture to sit for about 2 minutes; the chia seeds will swell and give the drink a light gel‑like texture that helps curb cravings.
Time: PT2M
Serve Sparkling Lemonade
Add a few ice cubes if desired, give one final stir, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT1M
Blend Protein‑Style Smoothie
In a blender, combine 250 ml cold water (or unsweetened almond milk), 2 g Ultima Pomegranate‑Cherry sweetener, and 4–5 ice cubes. Blend on high for 20–30 seconds until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Serve Smoothie
Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 5
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Keto, Low‑Carb, Sugar‑Free, Vegan, Gluten‑Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sparkling Water: Club soda, Carbonated mineral water
- Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar (use half the amount)
- Instead of Chia Seeds: Ground flax seeds
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Ultima Sweetener (Lemonade Flavor): Stevia, Erythritol
- Instead of Cold Water: Unsweetened almond milk, Coconut water (adds carbs)
- Instead of Ultima Sweetener (Pomegranate Cherry Flavor): Stevia, Erythritol
- Instead of Ice Cubes: Frozen water
Equipment Needed
- Glass
- Spoon or Stirrer
- Blender
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the sweetener fully dissolves before adding chia seeds.
- Allowing chia seeds to hydrate for at least 2 minutes.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled juice can taste muted.
- For extra fizz, top the lemonade with a splash of club soda just before serving.
- If you prefer a creamier smoothie, substitute half the water with unsweetened almond milk.
Troubleshooting
Chia seeds did not thicken the lemonade.
Let the drink sit an additional 2–3 minutes or add a few more chia seeds (½ tsp). Ensure the seeds are fully submerged.
Sweetener granules remain gritty.
Stir the mixture longer or dissolve the sweetener in a small amount of warm water before adding to the cold drink.
Smoothie is too watery.
Add more ice or a handful of frozen berries (watch carb count) and blend again.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be stored in a sealed container for up to 24 hours; stir before drinking.
Freezer: Not recommended for the sparkling lemonade (loss of carbonation). The smoothie can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before blending.
Room temperature: Best consumed immediately; flavor degrades after a few hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sparkling lemonade base (without ice) in a pitcher and keep it refrigerated; add ice just before serving.
- Blend the smoothie ingredients and store in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 12 hours; shake well before drinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of apple cider vinegar sparkling lemonade in low‑carb American cuisine?
Apple cider vinegar has long been used in American folk remedies for digestion and appetite control. Combining it with sparkling water and lemon creates a refreshing, low‑calorie beverage that fits modern low‑carb and keto trends, popularized by health‑focused creators like Low Carb Love.
What are the traditional regional variations of low‑carb sparkling lemonade in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., people often add a splash of honey or maple syrup (not low‑carb) and mint. In the Pacific Northwest, ginger‑infused sparkling lemonades are common. Low Carb Love’s version stays keto‑friendly by using Ultima sweetener and chia seeds for texture.
How is the apple cider vinegar sparkling lemonade traditionally served in low‑carb gatherings?
It is typically served chilled over ice in a tall glass, sometimes garnished with a lemon wheel or a sprig of fresh mint. The drink is offered as a palate cleanser or a thirst‑quenching alternative to sugary sodas at keto meet‑ups.
What occasions or celebrations is the apple cider vinegar sparkling lemonade traditionally associated with in keto culture?
Keto enthusiasts often serve this drink at weight‑loss milestones, holiday gatherings, and summer barbecues as a low‑calorie, festive alternative to traditional sweetened lemonades.
What makes the pomegranate cherry flavored Ultima sweetener special for low‑carb smoothies?
Ultima provides zero calories, zero carbs, and a balanced sweet taste without the after‑taste of some stevia blends. The pomegranate‑cherry flavor adds a fruity tang that mimics natural fruit sugars, making it ideal for low‑carb protein smoothies.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the apple cider vinegar sparkling lemonade?
Common errors include adding chia seeds before the sweetener fully dissolves (causing clumps) and not allowing enough time for the chia to hydrate, which can lead to an unpleasant texture. Also, using too much vinegar can make the drink overly sharp.
Why does this recipe use chia seeds instead of a thickening agent like xanthan gum?
Chia seeds are a whole‑food, fiber‑rich ingredient that adds texture and helps curb cravings, aligning with Low Carb Love’s emphasis on natural, minimally processed foods. Xanthan gum is a processed additive that many low‑carb followers avoid.
Can I make the sparkling lemonade ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can pre‑mix the lemonade base (water, lemon, vinegar, salt, sweetener, chia) in a sealed pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add ice just before serving to preserve carbonation.
What does the YouTube channel Low Carb Love specialize in?
The YouTube channel Low Carb Love specializes in low‑carb, keto‑friendly recipes and lifestyle tips, focusing on simple, affordable meals and drinks that help viewers maintain weight loss and metabolic health.
How does the YouTube channel Low Carb Love's approach to low‑carb beverage creation differ from other keto channels?
Low Carb Love emphasizes whole‑food ingredients, minimal sweeteners, and functional additives like chia seeds for satiety, whereas many other keto channels rely heavily on artificial sweeteners or pre‑made mixes. The channel also shares personal weight‑maintenance stories to motivate viewers.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
