Are you keeping an eye on your calorie intake? Knowing the calories in your favorite drinks is important if you’re trying to maintain or lose weight.
Let’s take a closer look at some popular drink choices and how many calories they contain per serving size.
Soda
Soda is a popular drink choice, but it’s also one of the highest calorie options. A 12 oz can of soda contains around 140-150 calories, and a 20 oz bottle can provide over 250 calories.
When you’re drinking soda, keep in mind that some flavors, such as root beer or cream soda, tend to have even more calories.
Juice
Juice can be a healthy choice if you choose 100% fruit juice, but it’s still important to watch your portion sizes. A 8 oz glass of orange juice contains around 110 calories and apple juice has around 120 calories.
If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can try diluting your juice with water or swapping for a lower calorie option like unsweetened almond milk.
Sports Drinks
Sports drinks can be a good choice if you’re engaging in a high-intensity workout, but they can also be high in calories. A 12 oz serving of Gatorade has around 80-90 calories, while a 20 oz bottle can contain around 150 calories.
It’s important to keep in mind that these drinks are designed for athletes who are burning a lot of calories, so if you’re not regularly working out, you may find yourself consuming extra calories without realizing it.
Lemonade
Lemonade can be a refreshing drink on a hot summer day, but it can also be high in sugar and calories. A 8 oz glass of lemonade can contain around 120-130 calories, and if you’re adding extra sugar or honey, that number can quickly increase.
If you’re looking for a lower calorie option, try making your own lemonade with stevia or a sugar alternative.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be a high calorie drink choice, with some drinks packing in over 300 calories per serving. A 12 oz bottle of beer can have around 140 calories, while a glass of wine has around 120-150 calories.
Cocktails can be even higher in calories, depending on the ingredients used. If you’re trying to cut down on calories, consider limiting your alcohol intake or choosing lower calorie options like light beer or wine spritzers.
Coffee Drinks
Coffee drinks can be a high calorie choice, especially when you’re getting them from coffee shops that add extra syrups and flavors.
A grande latte from Starbucks has around 220 calories, while a grande caramel macchiato can provide over 250 calories. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, try ordering your coffee plain or with a sugar-free syrup.
Smoothies
Smoothies can be a healthy choice, but they can also contain a lot of calories if you’re not careful. A 16 oz smoothie can contain 300-500 calories, depending on the ingredients.
If you’re making smoothies at home, consider using low calorie ingredients like spinach or berries and limiting your sweeteners and juices.
Water
Water is always the best choice when it comes to low calorie drinks. It’s important to stay hydrated, and water has zero calories. Drinking water can also help you feel full, which can help prevent overeating and snacking.
If you want to add some flavor to your water, try infusing it with fresh fruit or herbs.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a low calorie drink, there are plenty of options to choose from. By understanding the calories in your favorite drinks, you can make smarter choices and reach your weight loss or health goals.
Remember to always read the nutrition labels and watch your portion sizes, and don’t be afraid to try new, healthier options!.