Wake up and embrace the day! Each morning brings a fresh chance to set the tone for healthy eating and fuel your success throughout the day. If you're focusing on weight loss, making smart choices from the start is even more important. We're here to guide you with the top morning drinks that can help you shed belly fat.
Starting your day with proper nutrition plays a key role in weight loss. "A balanced breakfast rich in fiber and protein helps jumpstart your metabolism after an overnight fast," says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, a registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports dietetics and member of our Medical Expert Board. "This process, known as the thermic effect of food (TEF), requires energy to digest and absorb nutrients. A well-rounded breakfast, especially one with plenty of protein, can boost your metabolism and support fat-burning throughout the day."
On the other hand, skipping breakfast can backfire and lead to negative consequences. You might find yourself feeling hungrier and craving high-calorie, fatty, or sugary foods later in the day. "This can cause overeating or lead to poor snack choices, which may contribute to belly fat," explains Goodson. "A nutritious breakfast helps control your appetite and keeps you feeling full, reducing the likelihood of mindless snacking or overindulging at lunch."
Now, let’s dive into Goodson’s top drink recommendations for targeting belly fat.
Green Tea
Enjoy a warm cup of green tea, packed with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound known to enhance metabolism and accelerate fat burning, especially during exercise.
"The caffeine in green tea adds a mild stimulating effect, boosting calorie expenditure even more," explains Goodson. "Research indicates that the combination of EGCG and caffeine can aid in breaking down stored fat, particularly in the belly area."
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Drink
Acetic acid, the key component in apple cider vinegar, helps lower insulin levels and increase metabolism, which reduces fat storage.
"Research shows that acetic acid can aid in reducing belly fat and curbing appetite," Goodson explains. "Apple cider vinegar may also support digestion and minimize bloating, giving your belly a flatter appearance while promoting better gut health overall."
Coffee
A daily cup of coffee can help keep belly fat in check! How? Caffeine stimulates your metabolism and promotes fat burning. Your morning brew also activates your nervous system, signaling your fat cells to start breaking down fat, especially when paired with exercise.
"Research shows that caffeine boosts energy expenditure and fat oxidation, particularly in lean individuals, making it an effective morning beverage for fat loss," Goodson explains.
Ginger Tea
Ginger has thermogenic properties, meaning it raises your body's temperature, which helps increase the number of calories burned.
"Gingerol, the active compound in ginger, also aids digestion, curbs hunger, and boosts metabolism," Goodson says. "A study published in the journal Metabolism found that drinking ginger tea enhances feelings of fullness and helps the body burn calories more effectively."
Protein Shake
Protein shakes are a great choice because they’re both satisfying and tasty. "A morning protein shake, whether made with whey or plant-based protein, can increase metabolism thanks to the thermic effect of food (TEF)," explains Goodson. "Protein has a higher TEF compared to fats and carbohydrates, meaning your body expends more energy to digest and process it."
Starting your day with a protein-rich shake can help reduce cravings, promote fat loss, and preserve lean muscle—key factors in targeting belly fat.