Many people think about calories when they eat, but what about when they drink? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages can all have a surprisingly high calorie count.
For those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet, it’s important to be aware of the calorie content of the drinks they consume.
Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are a popular choice for many people, but they are not a healthy one. The main reason for this is the high sugar content. A typical can of soda contains around 150 calories and 10 teaspoons of sugar.
This is already a significant amount of your daily recommended intake and as most people consume more than one can of soda per day, it’s easy to go over your daily limit.
Furthermore, some of the flavorings found in soft drinks can also contain high amounts of calories.
For example, a large vanilla latte from a popular coffee chain can have up to 400 calories, while a large caramel frappuccino has around 500-600 calories.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are marketed as a quick pick-me-up, perfect for when you need an energy boost. However, these drinks can also be full of calories. A 16-ounce can of an energy drink can contain as much as 300 calories, which is higher than some soft drinks.
This high-calorie content is due to the high sugar and caffeine content of energy drinks, which can also lead to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices may seem like a healthy option, but they can also contain a lot of calories. Fruit juice is often high in natural sugars, which can make it difficult to watch your calorie intake.
A typical glass of orange juice contains around 110 calories, while other fruit juices can contain higher calorie count due to added sugar or flavorings.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are a common drink choice during social gatherings, but they can also be high in calories.
A 12-ounce bottle of beer can contain around 150 calories, while a 5-ounce glass of wine contains between 120-150 calories, depending on the type of wine.
However, it’s not just the alcohol content that can contribute to the high-calorie count. Alcoholic beverages also often contain added sugars and mixers like soda or fruit juice that can add even more calories to the drink.
Conclusion
Drinks are an often-overlooked source of calories in our diet. By keeping track of the calorie count of your favorite drinks, you can make more informed choices for a healthier lifestyle.
It’s essential to read the labels, know the serving size, and decide if it’s worth it. If you want to order your favorite drink, you should not deprive yourself, but you should be mindful of the serving size and frequency of drinking.
You can also incorporate healthier options like water, tea, or low-calorie options like diet soda and light beer into your daily routine.