Originally published June 1, 2016, last updated June 2, 2016

6 Healthy Drinks to Try

It's easy to get caught up in the coffee craze or to order that cold soda when you grab your lunch. But there are alternatives to these highly caffeinated drinks. While coffee in itself isn't unhealthy, drinking too many cups a day is a problem. It’s important to take a step away from caffeine from time to time and sip on something that is going to do your body some good. And with so many healthy, affordable options today, you don't have to go to the expensive health food store.

Try these six healthy thirst-quenchers:

Water: No, water is not boring — it's refreshing and necessary for your body to function properly. But you don't have to sip on water alone if you are looking for a bit more taste. Liven it up by adding some fruit, Everyday Health recommended. But beyond taste, water helps you regulate your calorie intake, keeps your skin looking youthful, energizes your muscles and helps maintain healthy bowel movements. What's not to like?

Vegetable juice: Vegetable juice is a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink while also getting valuable nutrients. You can buy pre-made juice in the stores, or you can juice vegetables on your own at home. If you have a juicer, then adding a bit of fruit to the mix is a great way to sweeten up your juice. And if you are purchasing it from the grocery store, you'll be doing yourself a favor by finding one that is organic and doesn't have added sugars for sweetness.

Lemonade: Lemonade doesn't have to be packed with sugar to be enjoyable. Additionally, you don't have to buy those powder packets, but can make your own at home using lemons and water. If this is the case, a small amount of sugar won't kill you. Lifehacker recommended this refreshing beverage for a hot day, and you won't feel guilty by letting your kids sip on it all day.

Green tea: Eliminating all caffeine from your diet at once can be difficult for many people, as caffeine, like all stimulants, can create a dependency within you. If you need that extra push, green tea is an excellent alternative. It has a lower amount of caffeine than other beverages and not the acidity of coffee or soda. Additionally, Fitness Magazine noted green tea helps reduce cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and even cavities. The beverage is also rich in antioxidants, which help to eliminate free radicals in the body. And another great thing about tea is that is can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Coconut water: If you haven't had a sip of cold coconut water, you're missing out. The beverage is taking off in a big way, with Men's Health stating it "is one trend we approve of." Coconut water is naturally sweetened and has electrolytes to help keep you hydrated.

Hot chocolate: While not for sunny days, hot cocoa is better for your health than you might realize. According to Coach Calorie fitness goals website, you should stick to dark chocolate as opposed to milk chocolate, as it has more antioxidants than tea. It also helps lower your risk of developing a cardiovascular illness.