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Could your drinks be causing you to gain weight?
Drinks are often forgotten when it comes to keeping a tally of food intake but many of them are laden with sugar and calories.
Not all drinks are created equal! Here’s a rundown of top tipples, and some tips for staying on track.
There’s nothing quite like catching up with friends over a coffee or a glass of wine – it’s a brilliant mood boost and a little treat, too. But if you want to lower your sugar intake, you might need to have a think about your drinks. Cutting back could support your weight loss, but it will also make a big impact on your health.
And while plain water still rules as a replacement, it’s not your only choice. Here are some of the options your body will thank you for: Water It’s not just a zero calorie option– water plays a big part in keeping you healthy by helping you stay hydrated. Flavoured waters often have added sugars so look out for the sugar free options or stick to slices of fresh lemon or lime for flavour instead. Tea Green and black teas are packed with catechins, which are antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage. Unsweetened black tea won’t set you back any SmartPoints or calories and counts towards your daily fluid intake. Vegetable juice Need an easy way to get your 5-a-day? Vegetable juices are full of nutrients and low in calories. Make your own or find a favourite at a juice bar – just make sure it doesn’t have added sugars or salts. Skinny latte Milky drinks can help maintain bone health, which is brilliant for women over 50 who may be susceptible to osteoporosis. A skinny latte made with skimmed milk contains 80% of the calcium nutrient intake, so it’s great for health. Many coffee shops have a “skinny” milk option these days. Low-fat chocolate milk When you’re working out at a moderate intensity, you probably don’t need that sports drink. But one study found that low-fat chocolate milk is as effective as a sports drink for replenishing muscle energy stores after exercise – and it’s lighter in Weight Watchers SmartPoints, too.
I use powdered cocoa and add almond milk for a sugar free healthy option. It’s also my favourite comfort drink! Unsweetened almond milk The latest very popular healthy drink option, it can be used in coffee and tea and is great in porridge. There are also many recipes in which it can be used as a replacement to cow’s milk
Do you need to make changes? If so then your local Weight Watchers meeting can help you get on track and give you the support you need.
Go to www. weightwatcherslocal.co.uk for more information.