Reducing calories is a great way to lose excess weight and dieters often look at cutting back on the foods they eat, but do not forget to check drinks, an expert warned.
Drinks that may seem healthy - like fruit juices and protein shakes - can be full of sugar and calories making some slimmers consume more than they realise.
This is according to Professor Franklin Joseph, who leads the team at Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, who said ditching some drinks is the best way to start a weight loss journey.
He said: “If you’re serious about losing weight, the first thing I’d cut is liquid calories.
Many drinks can contain hidden calories
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"That means fizzy drinks, fruit juices, milky coffees, even those so-called ‘healthy’ smoothies. They’re packed with sugar and calories but do nothing to fill you up.”
Flavoured coffees, fruit juices and non-diet fizzy drinks are some of the worst culprits, according to the expert.
He continued: “You can drink a caramel latte, a glass of orange juice and a smoothie in one morning and clock up 600 calories before you've even had lunch.
"And you’ll still feel hungry because your body doesn’t register liquid calories in the same way as food.
“Two sugars and a generous splash of milk in every cup might not sound like much, but over five or six brews a day, it mounts up fast."
Creating a calorie deficit means eating fewer calories than you are burning off throughout the day. Making some simple beverage switches could supercharge your weight loss results.
Prof Frank added: “Switching to black coffee or herbal tea is an easy win if you’re trying to cut back without overthinking it.
“It’s the simplest change with the biggest payoff. Most people don’t want to overhaul their entire diet overnight – and they don’t have to. Cut the liquid calories first and your weight will start to shift.”
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The expert suggested ditching liquid calories
PAHe also warns against drinks that are marketed as being healthy like fruit smoothies, coconut water and shop-bought protein shakes. Of course, these are not all bad, but ditching these could help if trying to limit your calorie consumption.
The health pro added: “They look healthy but they’re often full of sugar and very high in calories.
“If you’re drinking your calories, you're doing yourself no favours. Eat your food, don’t drink it.
“I’m not saying you can never enjoy a treat. But if you’re stuck, frustrated and wondering why the scales aren’t moving - look in your mug or glass. The answer might be right there.”
