Diet Drinks of Desire: Slimming Sippers

Tell me what you want, what you really REALLY want ... even though you're supposedly on a diet. Is it something sinfully sweet? If so, it's time to discover these magically marvelous beverages that let you indulge without guilt!

If you're fed up with endless glasses of good-for-you-water, give yourself a break and take a sip from these sweet, slimming sippers:

1. Meet the Miracle of Metromint: Beautifully tall bottles contain mint mixed with other flavors, such as cherry essence. Zero calories, zero fat, zero carbs, zero sodium, zero sugar - and lots of flavor. The cherry flavor is one of the most satisfying, but I have to admit that on days when I crave chocolate, Chocolate Metromint is the ultimate guilt-free answer. Go-green Tip: save the bottle and use it as a vase for a few daisies or roses clipped from the garden!

2. Introducing the Zest of Zevia: This intriguing diet soda is made with Stevia, a natural calorie-free sweetener. The bubbly, just-sweet-enough flavors include black cherry and a truly zesty Lemon Lime Twist. Ideal for those who miss the sparkles of soda but want to stay calorie-free!

3. Metabolism-Boosting Iced Tea: Brew up a pot of green tea, which has been shown to boost your metabolism and help you burn calories more effectively. Let it cool. Pour over ice, then stir in an artificial sweetener such as Splenda or Equal. Add a twist of lemon for a calorie-free cooler. For extra flavor, try one of the new trends in green tea, which is to flavor it with a fruit such as orange or mango.

4. Crazy for Cocoa: When your world gets wacky, keep yourself centered with a cuppa cocoa. Make it special (and low-calorie!) by using a sugar-free hot cocoa mix and stirring in a tablespoon of a sugar-free Italian syrup, such as sugar-free almond Roca or sugar-free French vanilla. Fewer than 30 calories but more than fully satisfying!

5. Skip the Starbucks and savor the flavor with this homemade treat: Brew up a large mug of cinnamon hazelnut coffee. Stir in two tablespoons of fat-free milk, one tablespoon of sugar-free hazelnut Italian syrup and a packet of artificial sweetener. Bliss in a beverage has arrived!