Don't waste those calories on beverages

If you are keeping your calories in check to lose weight, you may want to take a closer look at the liquids you are drinking.  I mean, who wants to pass up the opportunity to eat dessert when you’ve already used up those calories on a soda or latte?

Don’t forget about those sports drinks or smoothies either.  The benefits of battling dehydration is cancelled out by loads of sugar and processed ingredients.  Here is a shocking breakdown of how many calories are in your favorite drinks.

-One 12 ounce glass of juice = 170 calories
-One 16 ounce sweetened iced tea = 120 calories
-One 8 ounce glass of wine = 70 calories
-One 12 ounce fruit smoothie = 300 calories (ouch!)

This above exercise was to open your eyes to those hidden calories that are lurking in your beverages and robbing you of shrinking your waistline. Ok, so now I am going to step down off my soapbox and offer some healthier drink options.

-If you are a coffee addict like me, then you will want to start backing off the sugar and substitute heavy cream and whipped toppings for low-fat or fat-free milk.

-Water, water and more water.  Keep a bottle with you at all times. If you have never been a fan, try adding a squeeze of fresh fruit to liven things up. I find that water is really an acquired taste.

-Replace sweetened iced tea with unsweetened green tea.  Honestly, this is one of the most refreshing beverages to me.  I know it’s hard to avoid the sweetened stuff in the South, so try just adding a splash of sweetened to a whole glass of unsweetened iced-tea.    

-I can already feel the boos coming at me from this one, but let go of the soda. Yes, I’m talking to you “diet soda” drinkers too! Water is ALWAYS better.  If you must indulge, limit it to less than one every other day and eventually to seldom.

Limit your alcohol consumption.  Hey, life is stressful enough.  Especially now that you are avoiding sweetened tea, diet soda and over-sugared sports drinks.  But if you must, keep it to less than two. You’ll dodge those calories and a hangover!

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*Always consult your physician before beginning any new diet or exercise routine.