Most of these idea's have been mentioned on these forums in various places.
Here's a compilation of healthy idea's from EveryDay Health:
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DRINK UP:
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Do you always reach for a soda when thirst hits? You may want to consider some alternatives. Not only are regular soft drinks full of empty calories, but studies have linked the consumption of both regular and diet soda to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. To broaden your thirst-quenching choices, here are 10 suggestions that will help you kick the soda habit and leave your taste buds satisfied.
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1.) Spruce Up Water:
Flavored waters have been popping up all over the place, but many still contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. A healthier choice is natural flavoring: Just add slices of your favorite fruits and veggies — lemons, oranges, watermelon, cucumber, mint, or limes — to a pitcher of ice-cold water for a refreshing and flavorful drink. Another great option is to put chopped-up fruit in an ice cube tray, add water, and freeze. Place these colorful fruit cubes in your beverage for instant flavor and color!
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2.) Go Natural With Green Tea:
Studies of green tea have shown that it may help reduce the risk of several types of cancer, heart disease, hypertension, kidney stones, and possibly even cavities. In addition to this, green tea is calorie-free (if you have it without milk or sugar) and naturally high in antioxidants. You can pick any flavor you enjoy, because green tea is available in many varieties. It can be drunk hot or iced, and if you want a little sweetening, a few drops of honey will serve you well — though most people enjoy it au naturel.
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3.) Juice + Seltzer = Jeltzer!:
There's no need to purchase sugary sodas or pricey vitamin-enhanced waters, which also pack calories. Mixing 100 percent juice with seltzer yields a tastier, healthier, and less expensive drink. A thick, tart juice, such as cranberry, pomegranate, or grape, makes for a great jeltzer base in addition to supplying health benefits. Studies have shown that cranberry juice might protect against urinary tract infections and kidney stones; pomegranate juice is a great source of vitamins C and B; and grape juice has antioxidants that may help protect your brain and blood vessels. Mix one part juice with three parts seltzer to create this light and bubbly concoction.
(NOTE from poster: Juices, even 100% are not favorable Carbs - however, an ounce or two added might be negligible carbs.)
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4.) Stir in Some Sweet Stevia:
Stevia is an herb with a very sweet taste, but it has no carbs or calories. Research has also found it to be beneficial in managing obesity and glucose intolerance. Once banned in the United States because of limited research, stevia is now growing in popularity among holistic and organic food markets as a dietary supplement. It can't as yet be sold as a sweetener, though. Available in powder and liquid form, it also is available in flavored form,too. Stevia is inexpensive, sweet, and easily dissolves in cold water for a delicious drink that will help you forget about soda.
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5.) Tonic and Lime…Minus the Gin:
Traditionally used as a mixer for alcoholic drinks, tonic has a distinct taste that makes it such a popular base. But you don't need the alcohol to enjoy tonic — simply add a few slices of lemon or lime (or both) and a sprig of fresh mint for a unique and delicious beverage. Many tonic brands contain high-fructose corn syrup or other sugars, so opt for a diet tonic, if possible.
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6.) Red Wine Is Fine:
Red wine, when consumed in moderation, has been widely reported to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. And research on the benefits of this fermented fruit doesn't stop there — red wine may also lower your risk of a heart attack, Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer. The National Institutes of Health recommends that women limit consumption to one drink per day (4 ounces of wine), and men to two drinks per day, in order to reap the benefits. Look for wine without additives, such as sulfites, which can cause headaches and other allergic reactions.
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7.) Drink Your Vegetables!
Vegetable juice offers a quick, low-calorie way to get all the benefits of veggies. It also contains much less natural sugar than fruit juices. But vegetable juice can be high in sodium, so opt for a low-sodium version whenever possible. Better yet, make your own fresh juice easily at home with a juicer. Simply add your favorite veggies, and even a few slices of fruit if you want to sweeten your drink, to the juicer — no chopping required! If you prefer a little kick, add some black pepper and a drop of hot sauce.
(NOTE from poster: Most store bought vegetable juices are still most likely an unfavorable carb; however, using a strong blender and mixing your own retains the pulp. Juicing (different from using a stong blender) has a benefit in that by separating the pulp from the juice it allows more vitamins and nutrients to be absorbed by our bodies; however, if you juice, remember to add the pulp back into the juice, to help keep the glycemic load lower.)
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8.) Move Over, Milk — Time for Soy:
Soy beverages are naturally sweet and are now offered in a variety of flavors, including almond and vanilla. They are a great alternative to milk for those who are lactose intolerant or those who don't consume dairy. Studies on soy's benefits show that soymilk may reduce your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis. Look for low-fat, unsweetened soy beverages to reduce calories while enjoying a healthy, great-tasting beverage! Also, pick soymilk that has been fortified with nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, especially if you're drinking it as a substitute for milk.
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9.) Let Loose With a Tea Infuser:
Loose tea is a low-calorie option that allows you to get tea's health benefits and flavor from the actual tea leaf, without any additives. Brewing loose tea in an infuser, a device that holds tea leaves in a mesh chamber that you submerge in water, works wonderfully to bring out the flavor of your tea of choice. Enjoying a hot cup of loose tea — such as white, green, oolong, or black—is a relaxing pleasure that's also great for your health.
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10.)
Java-licious:
More and more evidence is showing that coffee in moderation can be a healthy part of your diet. Without cream or sugar, coffee contains zero fat and only a couple of calories. What's more, coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. And — as if you didn't know it already — coffee's caffeine can help with mental alertness and physical performance, as long as you don't overdo it. Too much caffeine can leave you jittery and anxious, so dietitians generally recommend that you drink no more than three cups a day (depending on the way it's prepared). That said, some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant may want to avoid it, though research on this is mixed.
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Last updated: September 2007
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Thanks for sharing that, John! It reminded me of a blurb that I recently posted on our wellness website at work, I will copy it here:

Ideas for making water an interesting beverage:
-add a few slices of cucumber to water for a refreshing taste.
-add fresh lemon or lime juice, or add the wedges.
-add fresh juice, like a splash of grape, cranberry, or pomegranete juice
-freeze pieces of fruit (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries work well) into an ice cube tray, then add the fruited ice cubes to a glass of water.
-If you like spices, ginger is a great way to add a "zing" to your water. If it is added to boiling water it is also a great way to clear your throat and sinuses during a cold.
-Mint, lemongrass, and parsley are great for adding aroma and a hint of green to your water. If you want to release the flavor you can crush the plants a little bit before putting them into your water.

P.S. Cran, not that we can afford it, right now; however, we will be interested in the near future. What model of the SodaMachine (for making carbonated water) do you have - just curious . . .
(There is a retailer near us that carries it/them, not sure which models.)

We have a Soda Stream machine. Bottles are all BPA-free, carbonators are exchangeable. The soda formulas have much less added sugar than store-bought soda, no HFCS. The diet varieties use splenda as the sweetener. Just add your own water and carbonate, then add the flavors (if desired).

I ordered from the website, but some retailers are carrying it, I think Sears carries it--or at least they did at Christmastime.

It's so hot today that when I came across this thread I thought I'd add to it. I've been sitting in the shade reading and sipping on ice water with a little pure vanilla extract and stevia. I'm definitely drinking more water than I would normally. Would love to know where to find other pure extract flavors to try!

I like pure water best, but I am very picky with my water. I like its natural sweetness. For years my husband laughed at me not believing that I can actually differentiate between various water brands. But recently we did a test. We bough a crate of various waters from Internet and we worked out what makes the water taste great for me! It is actually amount of Ca+ in water, lower it is sweeter the water tastes. For instance, my favourite brand contains 4.5g of Ca+. Some brands go as high as 150 or more. Check the label and chose one which is low in calcium. You will hopefully taste the difference. And you will not need and flavouring to add to your glass of water. I like mine cold but not ice cold, it is just delicious!

Pure (whole-house filtered) water (no chlorine!).
Sometimes a little fresh lemon.
And we also have a soda stream, pure fresh, clean, filtered carbonated water.
very refreshing!
Do not use any of the chemicals (flavorings) that came with the Soda Stream.
Bed, Bath, & Beyond carries them.
And with their 20% coupons, it's a good value.

Glad you are enjoying the soda stream machine, John!

I have to admit, I haven't had the need to purchase any sparkling water ever since I got that machine! I usually fill up a 1 liter bottle and carbonate it, and then I take it to work with me. Makes a nice alternative to the breaktime trip to the soda machine, and saving some money, too.

Funny story.
My wife was not too crazy about the idea that I used my father's Christmas gift money to purchase the Soda stream.
In fact, a little miffed.
I reminded her that she was the one who started buying unflavored (natural) carbonated water, when the budget allowed, which it didn't always, and we missed having it when it did not allow.
She did not buy it.
Then came this Spring and and then the early (hot summer.
I noticed we were going through 4 bottles of the carbonated water in 2 days.
(We received an additional two 1 liter bottles for free from the Co. because of a minor problem with the packaging and contents when we bought the Soda Steam.)
I the asked her about, how she said it was a bad idea (at Christmas) and she didn't like, it.
wel, needless to say she did not like eating her words, all in good fun!

LOL!

I remember getting some odd looks from my husband when I bought our machine. Kind of that "what gimmic has she bought into this time?" kind of look!

I do enjoy making some of the flavored soda from time to time, not on a regular basis. But, it is awesome to have sparkling water when I want it, and I feel better re-using the BPA-free bottles (trying to get away from all of the other plastics, etc.). I usually carbonate one bottle and take it to work with me, and it saves me from feeding the soda machine at work when I feel like a cold beverage at my desk.

Oh, guess I already said that before!

p.s. I don't like the way that one can't read the previous posts while composing a new one!

To accomplish this, open another window with the Zone forums in it.

I already have a gazillion windows open LOL! You know, multitasking!

I discovered, after posting the comment previously, that if you click on the plus sign at the bottom of the page, it opens up the entire thread to review.