Calories from, Sugary Soda and Fruit Juices Can Quickly Add Up

Poolside orange juiceCalories from Sugary Soda and Fruit Juices Can Pour on the Pounds

Most beverages are of limited to no nutritional value, and they can pack on or pour on the pounds.  I am like all of you, and I love a good frappe, but they are more like a milkshake than a cup of coffee.  No matter whether you like a cup of coffee, fruit juice, milk, soda, or tea, you have to choose wisely to maintain or lose weight.  

If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, every calorie you eat or drink counts and I recommend that you make your calories count.  You need to make sure that you are getting enough nutrients.  If the foods you eat are low in fiber, macro-nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, you will struggle to reach the target for each.  

Liquid sources of calories are one of the leading causes of obesity.  I see patients all the time that are getting 25-50% of their calories from a liquid source.  Very few people will be able to keep the weight off when you drink this many calories.  In particular, eating fruits and vegetables gives you the fiber you need to remain regular and promote satiety (fullness).  You just cannot get enough fiber from fruit or vegetable juice.  

Diet is Drinks: I know they are very low in calories.  Some are sensitive to their ingredients and may acquire a myriad of deleterious symptoms when they drink the drinks.  None of the sweeteners avoid side-effects, and I am not going to discuss the negative aspects of each sweetener.  I will suggest that you drink them sparingly and not use them as an excuse to have that piece of cheesecake.  

The bottom line: Limit your liquid calories.  The only drinks you need is water.  If it is sweetened, I recommend that your drink the liquids sparingly.  If you need flavor, use lemon or lime.  Calorie-containing drinks are deceptive in how many calories they contain, and they can add to your waistline.

Weight Loss Tip – Don’t Drink Your Calories