Introduction
If you’re trying to lose weight, you may be wondering which drinks are the worst for your diet. Dietitians have weighed in on the worst drinks for weight loss, and the verdict is in. From sugary sodas to high-calorie smoothies, these drinks can sabotage your weight loss goals. In this article, we’ll discuss the worst drinks for weight loss, according to dietitians, and provide healthier alternatives. So, if you’re looking to shed some pounds, read on to find out which drinks you should avoid and which ones you should reach for instead.
The Verdict on the Worst Drinks for Weight Loss, According to Dietitians — Eat This Not That
When it comes to weight loss, what you drink can be just as important as what you eat. Unfortunately, many popular drinks are loaded with sugar and calories, making them a poor choice for those trying to slim down. To help you make the best choices, we asked dietitians to weigh in on the worst drinks for weight loss.
1. Sugary Sodas
Sodas are one of the worst drinks for weight loss. Not only are they loaded with sugar, but they also contain artificial sweeteners and other chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Dietitians recommend avoiding sodas altogether, as they provide no nutritional value and can lead to weight gain.
2. Fruit Juices
Fruit juices may seem like a healthy choice, but they are actually loaded with sugar and calories. Dietitians recommend avoiding fruit juices and opting for whole fruits instead, as they contain more fiber and fewer calories.
3. Sweetened Teas and Coffees
Sweetened teas and coffees are another poor choice for weight loss. These drinks are often loaded with sugar and calories, and can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Dietitians recommend avoiding sweetened teas and coffees and opting for unsweetened versions instead.
4. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are another poor choice for weight loss. Not only are they high in calories, but they can also lead to poor food choices and overeating. Dietitians recommend avoiding alcoholic beverages altogether or limiting them to special occasions.
5. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are another bad choice for weight loss. Not only are they high in sugar and calories, but they can also lead to dehydration and other health problems. Dietitians recommend avoiding energy drinks and opting for healthier alternatives such as water or unsweetened tea.
When it comes to weight loss, what you drink can be just as important as what you eat. Unfortunately, many popular drinks are loaded with sugar and calories, making them a poor choice for those trying to slim down. To help you make the best choices, dietitians recommend avoiding sugary sodas, fruit juices, sweetened teas and coffees, alcoholic beverages, and energy drinks.
Just because you’re trying to lose weight doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite delicious treats. Yet experts warn that sometimes, satisfying your sweet cravings with drinks is a lot trickier than you might realize.
“Most sweetened or unhealthier beverages are simply unnecessary because they are just providing tons of added sugar and little to no nutrients at all,” says Laura Burak, MS, RD, author of Slimdown with Smoothies and a member of our medical expert board. “So you should try to save your calories for quality food that actually provides nutrients for your body and satisfy your appetite.”
If you are trying to lose weight but are still wanting to splurge on your favorite beverages, it’s important to at least be aware of some of the more harmful choices out there.
Here are some of the worst drinks to choose for weight loss, and for more healthy tips for losing weight, make sure to read Drinking Habits Experts Say Help With Quicker Weight Loss.
Store-bought juices can come with tons of added sugar and little to no fiber, which can have negative effects on your weight loss goals.
“If you consume these on a regular basis, the calories can really add up,” says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and a member of our medical expert board. “Plus, these beverages can contribute to a spike in blood sugar, which usually leads to a blood sugar crash and you craving even more sugar throughout the day.”
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Burak warns of the store-bought smoothies that are advertised as “healthy” but are in fact loaded with ingredients that can lead to weight gain.
“Smoothies like Naked juices can contain almost 500 calories and 40 to 50 grams of sugar, and although the sugars are coming from fruit and there are some helpful nutrients in these drinks, I would advise someone who is watching their weight to avoid them,” says Burak.
In fact, she even says these would be the types of drinks she’d recommend to clients who need healthy ways of gaining weight.
Need healthier options? Try one of these The 25 Best-Ever Weight Loss Smoothies.
Alcohol alone can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess because of the extra calories and the fact that it may inhibit your food decisions later on in the evening. But on top of that, the alcoholic beverages that are loaded with sugar and added ingredients are some of the worst drinks for weight loss.
“Take a piña colada, for example,” says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility. “Between the empty calories that come from the booze, the fat calories from the coconut, and loads of added sugars, this is certainly not a drink that will support weight loss when it is enjoyed frequently.”
When it comes to those holiday parties and family gatherings this season, you may want to be mindful of the types of alcoholic beverages you’re drinking when you attend.
“Clear liquor in a calorie-free beverage or a glass of wine is probably your best bet when it comes to alcohol, because calorie-loaded holiday favorites like egg nog can add up quickly and derail a weight loss goal fast,” says Goodson.
RELATED: Here’s What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Alcohol Every Day
Sadly, your favorite frozen coffee drink may be interfering with your weight loss goals.
“The worst offenders are typically at coffee chains where frozen creamy coffee drinks and even lattes can run upwards of 500 to 1,200 calories and provide more sugar than you should have in an entire day,” says Burak.
And Manaker agrees, saying that “if you aren’t opting for the ‘skinny’ latte, sipping on frozen coffee drinks can set you back some major calories without giving your body what it needs to actually support weight loss.”
So, if you’re wanting that favorite holiday coffee drink, try subbing for lower-fat milk and pass on the whipped cream.
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