Many popular beverages, often marketed as “healthy,” could be secretly hindering your weight loss journey, according to an expert in the field of nutrition. Drinks that seem like a good option, such as fruit juices, protein shakes, and smoothies, may be packed with hidden sugars and excessive calories.
Professor Franklin Joseph, head of Dr. Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, emphasizes that the first step in any weight loss plan should be cutting out liquid calories. “If you’re serious about shedding pounds, start with what you drink,” he advises. “Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, milky coffees, and even those so-called ‘healthy’ smoothies are loaded with sugar and calories, but they don’t provide lasting satiety.”
While it’s easy to overlook the calories in liquids, the impact can be substantial. According to Professor Joseph, consuming drinks like caramel lattes, orange juice, and fruit smoothies in one morning can easily add up to 600 calories before lunch, without even filling you up. He explains that the body doesn’t process liquid calories in the same way it processes solid food, leaving you hungry and likely to eat more later.
The expert warns that even seemingly small amounts of sugar, such as two teaspoons in every cup of coffee, can accumulate rapidly if consumed throughout the day. “By the end of the day, you might be adding hundreds of liquid calories without realizing it,” he says.
For those looking to lose weight, Professor Joseph recommends replacing sugary beverages with options like black coffee or herbal tea. “This simple change can have a significant impact on your weight loss efforts without requiring an extreme overhaul of your diet,” he notes. “Cutting out liquid calories is an easy win, and it’s often the first step toward seeing results on the scales.”
While not all drinks marketed as “healthy” are harmful, Joseph advises caution with items like bottled fruit smoothies, coconut water, and pre-packaged protein shakes. “These drinks can seem nutritious, but they’re often loaded with sugar and calories,” he explains. “The key is to eat your calories, not drink them.”
So, if you’re struggling with weight loss despite your best efforts, it might be time to reconsider your drink choices. As Professor Joseph puts it, “Look in your glass. The answer to why the scale isn’t moving could be right there.”
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