Some fattening foods are obviously forbidden when trying to lose weight. You probably know to stay away from fried fast food, lay off the high carb potato chips, and reduce processed pastries such as doughnuts. But, there are also popular drinks that are just as bad and can lead to weight gain.
To identify high sugar drinks you should avoid if you want to lose weight, we spoke to Jesse Federdietitian and personal trainer My Crohn’s and Colitis Team. He gave an overview of high-sugar drinks that could be holding you back on your weight loss journey: soda And energy drinks. This is because high sugar drinks contain mostly sugar and no additional nutritional value, so they are considered empty calorie drinks that can add fat to the stomach.
LEARN MORE: 2 of the worst processed drinks that lead to belly fat, according to experts
1. Sodas
It’s perhaps no surprise that consuming sodas with your meals can significantly block your weight loss success. This is because soda is a calorie-dense drink that does little to fill you up and is often loaded with excess sugars that slow your metabolism.
“Sweetened sodas are typically very high in sugar and calories. They offer no real nutritional value and can be addictive due to their appealing taste,” says Feder. “The high amount of sugar and calories can easily add abdominal fat and prevent weight loss.” Simply put, sodas are loaded with empty calories and should be avoided whenever possible. Learn more about the worst brands of sodas for weight loss.
2. Energy drinks
Likewise, Feder recommends avoiding energy drinks. Although you may like the caffeine and sweet flavor of this drink, it can cause inflammation and weight gain. Similar to the dangers of sugary fruit juices, energy drinks can harm your health due to harmful, sugary ingredients. Many energy drinks contain added ingredients like alternative sweeteners and sugar. And the average sugar content of an energy drink is 54 grams. Ouch!
“Sugary energy drinks are high in sugar, calories, and caffeine. Large amounts of sugar and calories offer no nutritional value and can lead to weight gain over time,” says Feder. “Plus, they contain high amounts of caffeine which can actually disrupt sleep, increase stress, and increase cortisol levels. This can contribute to weight gain as well as fat accumulation throughout your body. and your stomach.” All That Sugar Raises Your Body’s Insulin Resistance as well as an inflammatory marker known as IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor).
The essential
Let’s face it: there will always be times when you need the boost that soda and energy drinks usually provide. So what are the healthy alternatives? Feder has a few suggestions. “I recommend going on a diet or [zero-sugar] sodas and energy drinks,” he says. “It will reduce calorie and sugar intake and may help with weight loss. Additionally, I would limit the amount of caffeine you have as it can help improve sleep quality and stress levels which can also aid in weight loss. And, if you crave that carbonated flavor, try kombucha instead. an excellent drink for digestive and intestinal health.
At the end of the day, indulging yourself with sugary drinks once in a while won’t kill you. But, it’s important to be aware of the risks when indulging in sugary drinks that lead to belly fat like sodas and energy drinks. Remember that moderation is always key. It’s also crucial to note that there are healthier alternatives, such as low-calorie and sugar-free versions.