Liquid Calories
Liquid calories can add up quickly. Many drinks contain extra calories, like sugar, fat, and alcohol. For weight loss, it's better to eat calories in food, not in drinks.
Losing weight will be easier for you if you cut back on certain drinks. Water is the best drink choice for you!
Quick tip
Check the Nutrition Facts labels on drinks. Many times, a bottle of juice or soda is more than 1 serving and the sugar content is very high.
Let's say that today you drank a glass of orange juice, a can of soda, and a latte:
That gives you about 360 extra calories for the day.
Just 2 glasses of white wine give you about the same amount.
This takes up too much of your target calories.
Claudia's story
I got into the habit of drinking Dr. Pepper years ago at college. I'd try and cut down and, for a while, I'd have 2 or 3 cans a day. But I really needed to get off the sugar for good. The first 2 weeks without, I felt a bit grouchy. But this challenge was like a project, and I replaced the Dr. Pepper with flavored sugar-free seltzer and water. I started losing weight so fast after that!
Drink water instead
Here's why water is best:
It's an essential nutrient.
It has zero calories.
It's the best thirst-quencher.
It's easy on the wallet.
It's convenient.
Water helps you stay satisfied and feel full.
If you feel that water doesn't satisfy you, try drinking seltzer water or adding slices of fresh lemon, lime, or cucumber to your water. You could also add a splash of 100% juice or zero-calorie flavor powders to your water. Choose "diet" and no-added sugar drinks instead of sugar-sweetened drinks.
Enjoy just a little bit of your favorite higher calorie drink only at special events.
Remember
To lose weight, avoid the empty calories of alcohol, juice, or soda. Drink water instead. Check the calories on everything you drink, including smoothies, specialty coffee drinks, and juices.
Don't worry about what you're not having. Think about your new healthy body!