Key takeaways
  • These simple homemade Indian drinks are easy to make and can help people lose weight.
  • These 7 drinks also go beyond weight loss, offering other health benefits as well.
  • No single drink can offer drastic weight loss. But when combined with a balanced diet and exercise, these drinks can be very effective for weight loss.

Remember those hot summer days during school holidays? After playing outside for hours, we’d come home to a refreshing glass of homemade buttermilk or jeera water, lovingly made by our moms or grandmas. Back then, they were just delicious and cooling, but who knew they’d become great for weight loss too?

These simple, traditional Indian homemade drinks are not only good for our health but are also easy to make and don’t burn a hole in your pocket – unlike today’s expensive fitness drinks. In this article, we’ll take a look at nine of the best Indian homemade drinks for weight loss that you can try right now.

1. Lemon honey water

What is lemon and honey water?

Lemon honey water might sound like a simple concoction, but don't let its simplicity fool you. This age-old remedy, popular in many Indian households, packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. Lemon water with honey can be a healthier alternative to sugary drinks.

By using less honey, you can reduce your calorie intake and add to your weight-loss efforts. The key is to enjoy this drink by using honey sparingly.

What are the benefits of lemon and honey water?

Lemon and honey water truly helps with weight loss. But that is not all. Beyond weight loss, lemon and honey water can have a spectrum of other benefits. Here is how lemon and honey water keeps the body healthy:

  • Supports healthy gut bacteria.
  • Helps cut down on unnecessary snacking.
  • Keeps the body hydrated.
  • Detoxes the body naturally.

How to prepare lemon and honey water?

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

  • 10 ml (2 tsp) fresh lemon juice
  • 14 g (2 tsp) honey
  • 240 ml (1 cup) hot water

Instructions:

  • Cut a lemon in half and squeeze out the juice.
  • Boil water.
  • In a cup, mix lemon juice and honey. Add water and stir well until the honey dissolves completely.
  • Sip while it’s still warm and refreshing!
Try these lemon and honey water variations

Add a 1-inch slice of fresh ginger to the lemon and honey mix before pouring in the hot water.

Sprinkle a pinch of black salt or cinnamon into lemon honey water to enhance digestion.

Pro tip
To enjoy the benefits of lemon and honey water without worrying about the downsides, always drink it in moderation.

Best time to drink lemon and honey water: Early in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. Sattu drink

Perfect as a summer cooler or a natural energy drink!

What is sattu drink?

In places like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, sattu[1] has been a household favourite for generations. It's a blend of roasted besan, tangy lemon, and earthy spices, known for its energy-boosting qualities.

Sattu is loved not just for its nutrition but also for how easy it is to prepare. Whether you’re at home or on the go, sattu is super convenient. When mixed with water, it not only fuels you up but also helps keep you hydrated—perfect for those hot, sunny days when staying cool is essential!

What are the benefits of sattu drink?

Here are some of the benefits of sattu drink, especially when it comes to weight loss.

  • Helps lose and manage weight with high fibre and low glycemic index.
  • Helps the body absorb essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Supports the body in fighting fatigue and dehydration, especially in summer.

How to prepare sattu drink?

Servings: 1 glass

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp sattu (roasted besan)
  • 240 ml (1 cup) cold water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • A pinch of roasted jeera powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  • Mix sattu with cold water in a glass. Stir well until smooth.
  • Add lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of roasted cumin.
  • Top with some chopped onion.
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Pro tip
Add chia seeds for extra fibre and protein.

Best time to drink sattu: First thing in the morning or before meals.

3. Green tea

What is green tea?

Having green tea is like having a little cup of health benefits in your hands! For centuries, people across Asia have sworn by the power of green tea, and now science is catching up to what they've known all along.

Grown in the lush tea gardens of Assam, Munnar, Dooars, and Terai regions, dried green tea leaves are harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant.

From helping with weight management to potentially lowering the risk of heart disease, green tea has a wealth of benefits to offer.

But what makes green tea so special? And how can it fit into our daily lives?

What are the benefits of green tea?

Green tea helps lose weight. But its benefits do not stop there. Here are some of the key benefits of green tea.

  • Helps break down fat with catechins (like EGCG) and caffeine.
  • Kickstarts metabolism[2] by burning more calories.
  • Curbs hunger.
  • Helps the body use glucose better.
  • Reliable substitute for regular chai or black coffee.
  • Gradually reduces body weight and BMI[3].
  • Prevents cell damage.

Expert gastroenterologist Dr. Pal Manickam explains why green tea is favoured so much by health-conscious individuals:

When we eat, our stomach releases something (during digestion) called free radicals. These little troublemakers can harm our cells through a process called oxidation. Now to tackle this problem, antioxidants neutralise these free radicals to keep our cells safe. And here's where green tea shines. It's packed with a powerful antioxidant called catechin. Like a sponge, catechin soaks up these harmful molecules and protects your cells from further damage.

Dr. Palaniappan Manickam, Co-Founder, Dr Pal’s NEWME

How to prepare green tea?

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients:

  • 1 green tea bag or 2 g (1 tsp) loose-leaf green tea
  • 240 ml (1 cup) water
  • Honey or lemon for flavour (optional)

Instructions:

  • Heat water to around 79°C and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  • Place a tea bag in your teacup. Alternatively, add loose-leaf tea into a teapot or infuser.
  • Pour the hot water over the tea bag or loose-leaf tea.
  • Steep for 2-3 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
  • Remove the tea bag/strain loose-leaf tea/remove the infuser. Add honey or lemon, if desired.

You can also try these fun variations of green tea to add a little zing to your routine:

  • Cold brew: Steep one tea bag in 240 ml cold water for 4-6 hours. Pour over ice and sweeten as desired.
  • Lemonade twist: Steep one tea bag in 120 ml hot water, mix in lemon juice and sweetener, then top with cold water and ice.

Pro tip
Don’t steep the tea for more than 3-4 minutes, to avoid any bitterness seeping in. For a lighter flavour, steep for just 2 minutes. Always remove the tea bag without squeezing it.

Best time to have green tea: In the morning or before working out.

4. Buttermilk

What is buttermilk?

Light, nourishing, and soothing to the stomach.

In India, when people say "buttermilk," they're are talking about chaas. It's a cool drink made by mixing yoghurt with water and spices. It's super refreshing, especially during hot summers, and people love it for its ability to beat the heat.

What are the benefits of buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps with weight loss in a wide range of ways.

  • Offers essential nutrients with just 98 calories per 240-245 ml.
  • Curbs cravings with 8 gms protein (per 240-245 ml).
  • Balances obesity (sthaulya) dosha[4]and digestive issues.
  • Cleanses digestive system and improves metabolism.

How to prepare buttermilk?

Servings: 3 glasses

Ingredients:

  • 240 ml (1 cup) yogurt
  • 480 ml (2 cups) water
  • 1 tsp roasted jeera powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped coriander (optional)
  • A pinch of finely chopped green chilli (optional)

Instructions:

  • Whisk yoghurt and water together until you have a smooth, frothy consistency.
  • Add salt and roasted jeera powder.
  • Add chopped coriander and green chilli.
  • Serve chilled for an instant cool-down and digestive boost!

Pro tip
Avoid drinking chaas with oily foods, as this can hinder digestion.

Best time to drink buttermilk: With (or before) meals or as a refreshment.

5. Gond katira

What is gond katira?

Indians, especially in north India, love to cool themselves down with a refreshing glass of gond katira.

Gond katira, or Tragacanth gum, is a natural gum rich in dietary fibre. It is also a good laxative (something that keeps your bowels clean). It is also loaded with prebiotics and nutrients.

It has cooling properties and forms a jelly-like texture when soaked in water. It’s often used in summer drinks like sharbat to help with hydration and cooling the body.

Did you know?

It's quite common for people to confuse regular gond (Acacia gum) and gond katira (Tragacanth gum). In fact, they are different in some ways.

Regular gond has warming properties and is commonly used in winter foods like laddoos and panjeeri for strength and energy.

It is available in powder, gum, and capsule form.

But how does it help with weight loss?

What are the benefits of gond katira?

Gond katira benefits the human body in a variety of ways. This is how gond katira helps lose weight.

  • Offers fewer calories, making it ideal for weight loss.
  • Curbs overeating with high fibre content.
  • Slows down digestion and nutrient absorption in gel form[5].
  • Promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
  • May help control blood sugar levels.
  • Limit cholesterol production[6] in tiny amounts.

How to prepare gond katira drink?

Time to make gond katira.

Servings: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp gond katira
  • 1/2 cup water for soaking
  • 1-1.5 cups chilled water for diluting
  • 1-2 tbsp lemon or lime juice (to taste)
  • 1-2 tbsp honey or jaggery (to taste)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  • Soak gond katira in water for 3-4 hours, until it swells and forms a gel.
  • Strain the gel with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
  • Mix it with chilled water.
  • Add lemon or lime juice.
  • Sweeten the drink with honey or jaggery.
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
  • Serve chilled and enjoy!

Pro tip
You can also spice things up with this recipe - Mix the gond katira gel with chilled water, lemon juice, a pinch of black salt, and roasted cumin powder for a unique flavour twist.

Best time to drink gond katira:

  • Morning: Helps with digestion and keeps the body cool.
  • Afternoon (in summer): Provides hydration and cools you down.
  • After a workout: Rehydrates and supports muscle recovery.
  • Before bed: Eases constipation.

6. Jeera, Ajwain, and Saunf water

What is jeera-ajwain-saunf water?

Perfect to jumpstart your morning or after heavy meals for easy digestion.

Jeera water alone can benefit your body in more ways than one. But what happens when more kitchen spices join the party?

Jeera, ajwain, and saunf form a trio that works as a digestion specialist. It eases bloating and gives your metabolism a healthy boost.

In fact, a study[7] showed that participants taking jeera seeds lost an average of 1.1 kg over two months.

Whether you need a mini detox or a refreshing sip after meals, this spice-infused water has you covered.

What are the benefits of jeera-ajwain-saunf water?

Jeera-ajwain-saunf water offers a lot of benefits for a healthy body. Here is how jeera-ajwain-saunf water can help the body in a myriad of ways, including weight loss.

  • Boost metabolism and burn calories more effectively.
  • Prevent cell damage and fight inflammation.
  • Reduce body mass index (BMI)[8].
  • Control blood sugar levels and improve insulin reception.
  • Lower body fat percentage.
  • Boost the body by burning calories faster.

How to prepare jeera-ajwain-saunf water?

Servings: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp jeera seeds
  • 1 tsp ajwain seeds
  • 1 tsp saunf seeds
  • 480 ml (2 cups) water

Instructions:

  • Boil water, add jeera, ajwain, and saunf, and let it simmer for 7 minutes.
  • Strain and sip warm for the best digestion benefits. Alternately, cool to room temperature and refrigerate to drink throughout the day.

Best time to drink jeera-ajwain-saunf water:

  • Morning (empty stomach): Boosts metabolism, aids digestion, and kick-starts your day.
  • After meals: Helps with digestion and relieves bloating or gas.
  • Before bed: Eases digestion, reduces acidity, and helps you sleep well.

Pro tip
You can make a larger batch of jeera-ajwain-saunf water, store it in a bottle, and refrigerate it for a couple of days to continue enjoying its benefits in the long run.

But be careful not to overdo it, as it can result in heartburn.

7. Turmeric water

What is turmeric water?

Turmeric, our favourite haldi , is valued for its ability to heal, protect, and taste awesome (in our meals, of course!). Be it to soothe that cold or ease that upset stomach, the world is recognising the wealth of benefits turmeric has to offer.

A special compound known as curcumin is what gives turmeric water the power to tackle weight loss, inflammation, and other health issues. Today, many are gravitating towards turmeric water. Let's see what this drink can do!

What are the benefits of turmeric water?

Turmeric water is super beneficial for human health. Here are some of the benefits of drinking turmeric water.

  • Burns more calories by increasing the process of heat production[9]
  • Reduces new fat cell formation.
  • Prevents fat collection.
  • Promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
  • Manages weight easily with anti-inflammatory properties.

How to prepare turmeric water?

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder or grated fresh turmeric.
  • 1 glass of water.
  • Honey or lemon for taste (optional).

Instructions:

  • Boil water.
  • Add turmeric powder or grated turmeric.
  • Let it simmer for a few minutes.
  • Strain if necessary and let it cool slightly.
  • Add honey or lemon before drinking, if desired.

Pro tip
Add a small pinch of black pepper as this will enhance curcumin absorption.

Best time to drink turmeric water: At night before bed or first thing in the morning.

Please note

Turmeric is an excellent blood thinner. If you are on blood thinners, please drink turmeric water in moderation, as it could interfere with blood-thinning medicines.

Creating a daily routine with homemade weight loss drinks

With a myriad of Indian homemade drinks available for weight loss, it can be quite tricky to choose the right drink for yourself. But, here’s an easy way out.

Follow the timetable below to drink the homemade drinks in the right order and maximise their benefits.

Early morning
(6-7 AM)

Begin your day with a glass of warm lemon-honey water. It will help kickstart your metabolism right away.

Breakfast
(8-9 AM)

Have a glass of sattu drink to keep yourself energised throughout the day.

Mid-morning
(11 AM)

Sip on green tea for that much-needed metabolism-boosting antioxidant effect.

Lunch
(1-2 PM)

Relish a glass of buttermilk with your meal. This will have a cooling effect on your body and also speed up digestion.

Afternoon
(4 PM)

Cool down with glass of cool gond katira.

Evening
(6 PM)

Drink jeera-ajwain-saunf water. Enhance digestion and put a stop to snacking right before dinner.

Before bed
(9-10 PM)

End your day with turmeric water. Its anti-inflammatory benefits will help you relax and sleep well at night.

Conclusion

For generations, Indian households have turned to traditional drinks for their health benefits. These time-tested beverages offer a natural and affordable way to support weight loss, digestion, and better health.

Where shops and e-commerce websites are filled with expensive fitness products, it's refreshing to remember that the key to lasting health is often found among the simplest of solutions. It's time we study our roots, gain from them, and bridge the gap between ancient practices and modern wellness.

But do remember that no single drink will do all the work. Pair these beverages with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a mindful lifestyle for the best results. Whether you start your day with a glass of jeera water or unwind at night with a warm cup of turmeric tea, adding these drinks into your daily routine can bring you one step closer to your weight loss goals.

To lose weight healthily, try drinking these weight loss drinks along with Aktive.

Aktive’s weight loss treatment plans deliver clinically proven results and results in significant weight loss. It helps your body burn fat and keeps you from feeling too hungry.

FAQs

  • How often should I drink buttermilk for weight loss?

  • Can I add sugar to my Sattu drink?

  • Can I drink these if I have digestive issues?

  • How much Jeera-Ajwain-Saunf water should I drink daily?

  • Can I mix these drinks or should I stick to one?

  • Will these drinks alone make me lose weight?

  • Can I prepare these drinks in advance and store them?

  • Can turmeric water help with skin problems?

  • Can I give Gond Katira to my kids?

  • How soon will I see weight loss results?

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References:

  • [1] Singh, P., Vyas, H. A., Patil, S., Vasani, D., & Vasava, A. (2023). A classical review on the traditional nutritional food of India – Sattu. irjay.com.https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2023.6207
  • [2] The effects of green tea consumption on metabolic and anthropometric indices in patients with Type 2 diabetes. (2013, December 1). PubMed.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24523800/
  • [3] Jurgens, T. M., Whelan, A. M., Killian, L., Doucette, S., Kirk, S., & Foy, E. (2012). Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults. Cochrane Library, 2012(12). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd008650.pub2
  • [4] View of THERAPEUTIC AND NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF TAKRA (BUTTERMILK). (n.d.). https://www.irjponline.com/index.php/IRJP/article/view/1562/1321
  • [5] Pohekar, A., & Vyawhare, P. (2024). Formulation and evaluation of syrup from Gond Katira. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 250–263. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11485094
  • [6] Pohekar, A., & Vyawhare, P. (2024). Formulation and evaluation of syrup from Gond Katira. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 250–263. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11485094
  • [7] Taghizadeh, M., Memarzadeh, M. R., Asemi, Z., & Esmaillzadeh, A. (2015). Effect of the cumin cyminum L. Intake on Weight Loss, Metabolic Profiles and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Overweight Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 66(2–3), 117–124. https://doi.org/10.1159/000373896
  • [8] Yaqoob, N. Z., Iqbal, N. M., Nouren, N. A., Sohail, N. S., Ali, N. M., Fazal, N. T., Rustam, N. M., Ahmed, N. Z., Saeed, N. N., & Saeed, N. Q. (2022). Anti-Obesity effect of carom seeds (Trachyspermum AmMI) tea on BMI and lipid profile leading to cardiovascular diseases. Pak-Euro Journal of Medical and Life Sciences, 5(2), 411–418. https://doi.org/10.31580/pjmls.v5i2.2464
  • [9] Kasprzak-Drozd, K., Oniszczuk, T., Gancarz, M., Kondracka, A., Rusinek, R., & Oniszczuk, A. (2022). Curcumin and weight loss: Does it work? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(2), 639. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23020639