Are You Drinking Your Calories?

One of the most important lessons I have learned in the weight control arena is that weight control is not about “calories in/calories out”.  The big “X” factor is metabolism rates and certain foods and drinks either will help boost your metabolic rates or decrease them.   Dr. Atkins proved with his famous diet that a person can pretty much eat all of the protein and fats they want and lose weight IF they do not consume any carbohydrates or sugars.   Therefore, the types of calories being consumed play a very large role in weight control.

Focusing on consuming liquids:  Water is the very best source of fluid intake.  Drinking 64-100 ounces of water each day will help boost metabolism and allow us to feel more “full”.  Diet sodas do not bring us any calories.  However, there is some data suggesting ill effects of the artificial sweeteners present in these drinks.  Additionally, some people report that the taste of those sweeteners propel them to crave and seek sugary foods to consume.

On the surface the “healthy” glass of orange, grapefruit, cranberry or other fruit juices of choice seem to not be detrimental to weight control.  They are “healthy” due to their vitamin contents.  However, a person can get even more of those vitamins by swallowing their “One a Day” multivitamin with a glass of water.  These typical morning drinks are loaded with calories.

We have discussed lots about alcohol in the past and I need to do this again:  Alcohol in any form contains calories but more negatively impactful is the metabolic decrease associated with alcohol consumption.  That “light beer” or glass of white wine seems quite innocuous for weight control purposes but on the contrary, alcohol reduction/abstinence is one of the most important steps to take when trying to control weight.

Take a step back and see whether you are “drinking your calories”, whether this be sugar-based drinks, fruit juices and/or alcohol.  If you are, please consider eliminating these fluids from your dietary approach.  By doing so, controlling your weight will become much easier.