Have you heard of drinking your calories? Let’s be honest, at one point or another pretty much everyone has done it. It’s pretty convenient, and sometimes people don’t even realize that they are drinking calories.
What is drinking your calories?
Drinking calories refers to calories that come from beverages, which can add up quickly and are easy to consume without even realizing it. Sometimes this type of calories gets called empty calories or hidden calories because the body doesn’t register them in the same way that it does with calories that are from solid foods. This can lead to people consuming more calories than they might have otherwise consumed, like when drinking soda or wine with a meal.
Calorie dense drinks
Most calorie-dense drinks such as alcohol, blended drinks, juices, energy drinks, and sodas are loaded with sugars, creams, and high-fat milk like that cappuccino with the extra shot of espresso topped with whipped cream for example. While they may be yummy, the problem with these types of drinks is that they are easily obtained and they are easy to consume without feeling full. Most of the time people consume several of them and still not feel full, the caloric intake adds up quickly without even realizing it.
To add to this people forget to take into account the calories from beverages and these types of drinks can really do a number on weight management goals, leaving people confused as to what they are doing wrong. One of the most overlooked sabotage culprits to weight loss/health goals is alcohol, which provides you zero benefits but lots of negatives. This brings us to another opportunity for caloric overload, store-bought smoothies.
Think twice about that store-bought smoothie
Store-bought smoothies would seem like a healthy option, but the facts are that great marketing doesn’t live up to the hype. Unless it is specifically specified, most store-bought smoothies are loaded with added sugars. Thanks to all that marketing, people are buying these drinks thinking that they are being extra smart by making healthy choices. In all honesty, most of these drinks can have well over 500 calories each, which is basically the equivalent of a meal. Keep this in mind the next time you run into Tropical Smoothie Cafe or Jamba Juice, or you find yourself at the grocery store looking at all those tempting bottles from Bolthouse Farms, Naked, or Odwalla.
If you really want a smoothie, your best option is to make it at home and consider adding protein powder to the mix. Adding protein to the smoothie, whether you buy it or make it, will help you to feel full and reduce the likelihood that the smoothie makes your blood sugar levels skyrocket too quickly.
Dressing up water
Overall, it is best to get the bulk of your calories from food. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that you should only drink water, but it does mean that you should opt for water more often.
If you get tired of plain water, try infusing some flavor into the glass of water with citrus.
Add a few slices or squeezes of lemon, lime, mango, or orange. Toss in a few grapes, blueberries, or strawberries. Mix it up and experiment with a few slices of cucumber, fresh mint, and a little bit of watermelon, there are so many options.
If you like the fizz from soda, it might be a good idea to consider trying some flavored carbonated water. Most of these are great sugar-free options that provide that fun twist of the fizz. Carbonated water may help you break free of that soda craving.
Take away
Drinking water is the best option, but it is ok to have a sugary treat every now and then. Moderation is the key, so keep in mind that these sugar-laden options are not the best choices on a daily basis. Overconsumption of these drinks loaded with extra sugars doesn’t provide adequate nutrition for the calories they carry. If you are struggling with making healthier drink choices, hopefully dressing up your water provides you with a sustainable way to break free from the sugar overload.
This article was written by Tamsyn Webber at WHN.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://worldhealth.net/news/hydrating-health-why-drinking-water-so-important/
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/are-smoothies-good-you
What_Are_Empty_Calories_ChooseMyplate.pdf (schoolnutritionandfitness.com)
Drink Deceptions: 5 Rehydration & Sport Beverage Red Flags – WorldHealth.net
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235013
https://worldhealth.net/news/reasons-consider-homemade-smoothies/
