Sip Your Way to Weight Loss
By Debra Rodzinak
Many calories are unintentionally consumed through what we drink. People can actually drink on an extra two pounds per week to their overall weight. Here are some tips to change the way you drink and maybe even lose a few pounds in the process.
Limit Sugar
Many soft drinks contain an unbelievable amount of sugar. One 12-ounce can of soda can contain a whopping 10 teaspoons of sugar. In addition, many bottled drinks are equivalent to 2 1/2 servings which equates to 25 teaspoons of sugar! Instead of reaching for your favorite sweet soda, replace those sugary drinks with water or seltzer and add lemon, mint, or cucumber for flavor and a kick.
In a recent study on liquid sugar, scientists offered two groups a 450-calorie snack, jelly beans or soda. The group who ate the jelly beans unconsciously ate fewer jelly beans and the soda drinkers did not. They think this is due to the liquid bypassing the body’s normal fullness cues. Therefore, the soda drinkers gained 2 1/2 pounds in one month.
Change Your Glassware
Instead of using a short, wide tumbler, use a taller, skinny glass. The brain is tricked into consuming about 25 percent less liquid. Even experienced bartenders will pour more into a shorter glass versus a taller one.
Cut Down on the Alcohol
No need to give up your favorite highball or cocktail, but when imbibing, remember to drink a nonalcoholic drink such as juice or water in-between an adult beverage. Alcohol contains sugar and carbohydrates which add on the pounds and can cause a person to mindlessly graze on chips or other snacks.
Drink Green Tea
Several studies have suggested that green tea revs up the body’s calorie-burning ability through the phytochemicals contained in this healthy beverage. Just don’t add sugar to the tea. Opt for a bit of honey instead.
Treat Yourself
Instead of having the mindset that you are denying yourself of your favorite beverage, change your train of thought and reward yourself. Celebrate your healthier choices with a day out with friends, a pedicure, or a shopping trip for some smaller-sized clothes. Think positive and you will keep up your good drinking habits.
Make these simple changes and you will see your waistline go down in no time. Find what works for you and you will soon find you are living a healthier life.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.