Think an after-workout smoothie won't do your diet much harm? Think again! Many people underestimate the impact liquid calories have on overall caloric intake. You may be surprised to find out drinks you thought were "healthy" could actually be sabotaging your ability to lose weight. Just look at the amount of exercise you would need to complete to make up for consuming some of the deceivingly healthy liquid calories below:
Nutritional Smoothie - Found in the refrigerated produce section of your grocer, these smoothies usually claim to provide 8-10 servings of fruit and vegetables and boost your "immunity", "energy", or "well-being". They sounds deceivingly healthy.
Sugar grams: 50-75 per bottle.
Calories: 340. Equals: 1 slice of peperoni pizza
Amount of exercise required: 1.5 hours of walking
Eat this instead: 6 oz yogurt, 13 grams sugar, 100 calories
Venti Mocha Frappuccino Light: Everyone loves an iced coffee in the summer! The "light" version may be lower in calories but it still contains a lot of sugar..as much as soda!
Sugar grams: 38. Equals: a 12 oz can of regular soda.
Calories: 190
Amount of exercise required: 1 hour of lifting weights
Drink this instead: Make it a tall rather than a venti and you shave off 90 calories and 19 grams of sugar!
Vitamin Waters: These sports or health drinks claim to keep you energized, prevent electrolyte imbalances, and provide you with a daily dose of vitamins. While some sport's drinks may benefit athletes, they can defeat the purpose of a weight-loss client's workout.
Sugar grams: 32.5
Calories: 150 per bottle. Equals 1 giant chocolate chip cookie
Amount of exercise required: 1 hour of mowing the lawn
Drink this instead: Propel enhanced water. Contains vitamins and minerals but 0 grams sugar and only 30 calories per bottle!
Vodka and Cranberry Juice: If your going to enjoy an evening cocktail, at least make the ingredients healthy...cranberries are good for you, right?
Calories: 250. Equals: Regular McDonald's fries
Amount of exercise required: 1 hour of stationary cycling
Drink this Instead: Glass of red wine. 100 calories
When trying to cut back on calories, it is always a good idea to stick to the basics. Eating our fruits and vegetables causes less of a spike in blood sugar levels and provides us with fiber not found in juices and smoothies. If you really want to indulge in a coffee treat or late night cocktail, stick to something simple such as a cup of coffee with flavored creamer or a glass of wine. Don't let deceiving liquid calories sabotage your weight-loss goals!
