'Don't drink your calories!' Lose weight and keep it off by ditching popular beverages that are 'full of sugar'

Britons who are trying to lose weight should be mindful of their choice of beverages

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Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 22/03/2024

- 21:17

Slimmers should rethink their daily fizzy drinks, fruit juices and sports drinks

Losing weight might seem like an impossible task at times, but with a few key lifestyle changes, you'll start to see results.

A doctor told slimmers that they can lose fat by "not drinking their calories", which means swapping high-calorie beverages for ones with low or no calories.


Dr Brandon Fadner told St Luke's Health YouTube channel that there are some things people can do every day to "support healthy, sustainable weight loss".

Those who want to lose weight need to be in a slight calorie deficit, which means consuming fewer calories through food and drinks than your body uses in daily activities and bodily functions. Slimmers should therefore be mindful about where they are getting their calories from.

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Dont drink your calories: Sip on water instead

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The doctor advised against "drinking your calories". This may mean cutting down on fizzy drinks, sports drinks and fruit juices. These are often "full of sugar", which the body "quite frankly does not need".

He added that the pancreas "doesn't really calories in bulk liquid form". The pancreas produces enzymes that help to digest food.

Rather than drinking high-calorie beverages, slimmers should opt for three alternatives.

The doctor said: "Ideally, what you should drink every day is going to be water, unsweetened iced tea, and black coffee."

Now this doesn't mean getting rid of 'treat' drinks entirely - just don't get into a habit of drinking them every day.

Indeed, the doctor said slimmers can allow for "living a little bit here and there", while sticking to water, unsweetened iced tea and black coffee most of the time.

Dr Fadner also advised slimmers to stick to minimally processed foods. As a general rule, advised steering clear of the middle of supermarkets, as this is where the long-lasting boxed and bagged foods are usually kept.

The periphery of the supermarket is where you can typically find fresh fruits and vegetables, plus fresh meat and fish for those who eat these.

Another diet tip the expert gave was that slimmers should heap their plates with fruits and vegetables more than other food groups.

He said that the "healthiest thing" for us - and the most beneficial for weight loss - is to consume lots of fibrous foods, leafy greens and fruits.

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Your dinner plate should be heaped with fruits and vegetables

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He added: "Finally, find 30 minutes per day to be physically active." Start with walking around the block, then jogging.

A fitness expert shared the "number one" exercise slimmers can complete to lose belly fat "for good".

As Dr Fadner explained, enjoying a healthy, minimally processed diet is essential for those who want to slim down.

A nutritionist shared the three refined carbohydrates to avoid for weight loss - it could be a "significant help".

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