9 best drinks for weight loss and which drinks to avoid
Drinks to avoid
Experts have noted that people feel less full or satisfied after consuming calories in beverages, compared with those in solid foods.Authors of a study from 2006 reported that people in the U.S. who are older than 2 years consumed 21%Trusted Source of their calories in beverages, while many drinks offer very little nutritional value.Anyone looking to lose weight should avoid the following types of drinks:
Sweetened soft drinks
Full of calories and low in nutrients, sweetened, carbonated beverages such as sodas do not aid weight loss.
Fruit juices and smoothies
Fruit juices have some nutritional benefits. However, though the sugar in them is naturally derived, juices contain so much sugar that they add a lot of calories to the diet.
Energy drinks
Energy and sports drinks also deliver some benefits, but they are typically high in calories.
Alcohol
Alcohol does not mix well with weight loss for several reasons:
- Alcoholic drinks contain many calories— a 12-oz beer has 150 calories, while a 5-oz glass of white wine has 100 calories.
- Mixers, such as fruit juice or soda, increase the calorie count of each drink.
- Drinking can lower inhibitions, making it more likely for dieters to eat foods that they are trying to avoid.
- Drinking interferes with digestion and sleep, complicating weight loss.