Careful What You Drink

Today is all about drinking. One of the keys to successful weight loss is managing your calorie intake. And one of the sneakiest ways that calories can overwhelm you is via libations. One visit to a soda fountain or even a juice bar can ruin your day. So we’ve got some advice on how to be sure your drinks aren’t sabotaging your weight loss efforts.Water—good old fashioned plain water—is a must, not just on a weight loss program but as part of any healthy lifestyle. Aim to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of plain water each day. If you want to crank up your calorie burn, make sure it’s cold water, which your body will need to warm up to ingest, and does so by burning calories.

Plain water too boring? Add some zing to it by flavoring with spices or adding fresh fruits, herbs or vegetables that will impart a refreshing taste while adding no or few calories. Fill a pitcher with water and add a few fresh lemon slices and a handful of fresh raspberies. Or add lemons, mint, cucumber slices and a dash of cayenne pepper for a tiny bit of warmth that makes those eight glasses go down easily.

Don’t drink soda. A 12-ounce can of soda has about 150 calories, almost all of which come from sugar. That will mess with your glycemic load in a way that can throw your body off for the whole day. We’re not a fan of diet sodas, either. If you want a bubbly drink, try calorie-free seltzers instead.

Remember to drink protein. Nutrisystem shakes, which are great snacks, crush your cravings because they contain protein, which makes you feel full and satisfied.

Alcohol should be a once-in-a-while choice. We understand you might feel the need to mark special occasions with a beer or a glass of wine. Alcoholic drinks tend to be high in calories and low in nutrients. Plus, the alcohol could lead you to make bad food choices. Limit yourself to one drink, remember portion control and if you drink beer, make it a low-calorie one.