Weight HighEvidence-based weight loss information

How to Make Cucumber Water for Weight Loss?

By Norma Ector · · Updated

Contents

Cucumber water is a refreshing, nearly calorie-free drink that can help you lose weight when it replaces sugary drinks. It’s easy to make, and it’s a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to know about making cucumber water for weight loss.

Table of Contents

What is Cucumber Water?

Cucumber water is simply water infused with sliced cucumbers. The cucumbers add a refreshing taste to the water, and it’s a great way to stay hydrated without consuming sugary drinks. Whole cucumbers provide small amounts of vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, but only traces of these end up in the water.

How Does Cucumber Water Help with Weight Loss?

Cucumber water can support weight loss in a few practical ways:

  • It’s low in calories: Cucumbers are low in calories, and by adding them to water, you can create a drink that’s almost calorie-free. Even eating a whole cup of sliced cucumber adds only about 16 calories to a weight loss diet.
  • It supports hydration and digestion: Drinking enough fluid helps prevent constipation, and staying regular can improve digestion and ease some bloating. The fiber stays in the cucumber slices, so eat them too if you want fiber.
  • It replaces sugary drinks: Swapping soda, juice or sweet tea for cucumber water cuts the calories from those drinks, which adds up over weeks.
  • It may help you eat less: In a 12-week study, adults on a reduced-calorie diet who drank about 2 cups of water before each meal lost about 2 kg more than those on the diet alone. Cucumber water works the same way as plain water here.

Cucumber water does not burn fat or boost metabolism on its own. Its value is that it makes drinking water more appealing.

How to Make Cucumber Water for Weight Loss

how to make cucumber water for weight loss

Photo by Arina Krasnikova from Pexels

Making cucumber water is easy, and you only need two ingredients: water and cucumber.

Ingredients

  • 1 cucumber
  • 8 cups of water

Directions

  1. Wash the cucumber and slice it thinly.
  2. Add the sliced cucumber to a large pitcher.
  3. Pour the water into the pitcher.
  4. Let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours to infuse the water with the cucumber flavor.
  5. Serve the cucumber water cold.

Tips for Making Cucumber Water for Weight Loss

  • Wash cucumbers well under running water before slicing, whether they are organic or conventional. Peel them if you prefer a milder taste.
  • Use a mandoline slicer to slice the cucumbers thinly. Thinly sliced cucumbers will infuse the water more quickly, giving it a stronger flavor.
  • Add other fruits and herbs to the cucumber water, such as lemon, lime, mint, or ginger, for additional flavor. These add flavor with almost no calories.
  • Store the cucumber water in the fridge for up to three days. After three days, the cucumbers will start to break down, and the water will become less flavorful.

How to Incorporate Cucumber Water into Your Diet

Here are some tips on how to incorporate cucumber water into your diet:

  • Drink a glass of cucumber water in the morning to start your day hydrated.
  • Drink cucumber water before meals. Drinking water before meals may help you feel fuller and eat less.
  • Bring a bottle of cucumber water with you to work or school. Having cucumber water on hand can help you stay hydrated throughout the day and avoid sugary drinks.
  • Use cucumber water as a substitute for sugary drinks. Drinking cucumber water instead of soda or juice can help you reduce your calorie intake and promote weight loss.

Conclusion

Cucumber water is a refreshing, nearly calorie-free drink that can support weight loss when it replaces sugary drinks and helps you drink more water. It does not burn fat or boost metabolism on its own.

Follow the simple recipe above, pair it with a calorie-controlled diet and regular activity, and it can be one easy habit in your plan.

FAQs

Is cucumber water good for weight loss?

It can help as a nearly calorie-free swap for soda, juice or sweet coffee drinks, and it makes drinking water more appealing. Cucumber water does not burn fat or boost metabolism on its own.

How much cucumber water should I drink per day?

There is no set amount. Harvard Health says most healthy people need about four to six cups of plain water a day, and cucumber water counts toward that.

Your needs rise with heat and exercise, so drink when you are thirsty.

Can I add other fruits or herbs to cucumber water?

Yes, you can add other fruits and herbs to cucumber water to enhance the flavor. Lemon, lime, mint, and ginger are popular additions.

Can I store cucumber water in the fridge?

Yes, you can store cucumber water in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the cucumbers start to break down and the water becomes less flavorful.

Can cucumber water replace plain water?

Yes. Cucumber water is still water and counts toward your daily fluids. Plain water works just as well, so use whichever helps you drink enough.

Is it safe to drink cucumber water every day?

Yes, for most people it is safe to drink cucumber water every day as part of a balanced diet.

People with kidney, heart or liver problems, or those on a fluid restriction, should ask their doctor how much fluid is right for them.

Can cucumber water help with bloating?

Staying hydrated can help keep digestion regular, which may ease some bloating. There is no good evidence that cucumber water flushes out sodium or flattens your stomach.

Can cucumber water boost metabolism?

Not in a meaningful way. Cucumbers contain antioxidants, but there is no good evidence that cucumber water speeds up metabolism or burns fat.

Can cucumber water help suppress appetite?

Cucumber water contains almost no fiber, since the fiber stays in the cucumber. Drinking water before meals may help you feel fuller and eat a little less.

Eating whole cucumbers adds volume to meals for very few calories.

Sources

More in Healthy Eating