Beefy Beverages

Liquid calories can sabotage weight loss efforts. Use today to say good–bye to unhealthy refreshments padding your frame:

• Scrap the frap. Blended java drinks often contain whole milk, spoonfuls of sugar, and dessert–like ingredients such as whipped cream and gooey syrups. Large sizes can contain upwards of 750 calories, including over 25 grams of fat. Instead of swinging through a coffee house, try blending ice cubes, skim milk, peanut butter, banana, and a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a shake that won’t shake your waistline.

• Kick the can. A typical 12–ounce soda delivers 150 calories — many from the roughly 40 grams of sugar sloshing around inside. And while diet versions don’t add calories, they’re nutritionally deprived and laden with artificial sweeteners. Instead, dilute unsweetened fruit juice with water or flavored seltzers for fizz.

• Stay sober. While resveratrol in red wine is thought to benefit the heart, many studies still suggest too much alcohol is unhealthy. And with 7 calories/gram (compared to 4 calories/gram of carbs or protein), it’s no wonder they call them beer guts. Limit to 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men. If you have a weak heart, high blood pressure, liver problems, or are pregnant, ditch the drink altogether.