With all kinds of drinks out there (cola, root beer, lemon-lime drinks, and many fruit juices), how could you not slam down the calories. Come on, it’s a hot summer day and you reach for your ice cold soda or lemonade. However, there is definitely something you need to know about these drinks. They each contain around 30-40 grams of sugars per serving. At 30-40 grams of sugar per serving, that adds up to 120-160 calories. Considering that the average person consumes around three drinks daily, that adds up to 360-480 calories a day. Now you are seeing the picture.
To help make this article’s point clear, I will use an example. Let’s say that a person weighing 200 lbs needs 2000 calories a day to maintain that weight. (This is only for an example and in no way constitutes a dietary suggestion) If this person drinks the average three drinks a day, it would compromise around 25 percent of their daily caloric intake. However, we all know that this person did not take into account the calories in their drinks. This translates into an extra 360-480 calories over what they need a day.
Well guess what? At the rate of 360-480 calories a day over the top of the needed calories, this person will gain roughly 3-4 lbs a month. That’s 3-4 lbs a month just from their sugary drinks. Can you believe that fact! However, there is a light in the end of this tunnel. By cutting out the drinks, this person could reduce their weight by 3-4 lbs a month. Not too shabby for just watching the fluids. There definitely is a lesson here and it is:
Do not drink your calories!
Now that the point is clear, let’s hit real close to home. You make a pitcher of orange juice. It’s okay because orange juice is good for you. However, you drink two eight ounce glasses in one sitting (which is very easy to do). You have just now consumed 240 calories. Astounding, isn’t it.
Then how do you combat chugging your calories? It is simple. Always opt for water or low calorie drinks when you are thirsty. There are numerous diet or sugar free drinks out there. A word of caution though; a lot of people will find they are allergic to certain sweeteners. Always test a small sample before you dive into a new drink.
By the way water will always be the best choice for your body.
Paul Hopkins has been involved with the Health and Fitness industry for over 15 years. During this time he has trained every level of person from Professional Athletes to the Average Joe. On top of that he has researched Health and Fitness extensively. Paul is a Certified Fitness Trainer through the I.S.S.A. (International Sports Sciences Association), a NESTA Biomechanics Specialist, and Fitness Author.
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