Posted on 02/02/2005 9:12:37 AM PST by MississippiMasterpiece
Think that smoothie is good for you? Think again.
Believe it or not, some of the most popular drinks out there are also packed with hidden calories, fat and sugar that can make people pack on the pounds.
Beverages are a significant, if little recognized, source of calories. Many dieters make the mistake of thinking they're doing everything right but are still not losing weight, because they ignore the calories they drink, said nutritionist Dr. David Katz. He calls these liquid calories "renegade" calories.
For instance, when you're drinking that Starbucks Frappuccino, you're drinking three cheeseburgers worth of calories.
You also may be drinking more calories than you realize in other drinks, such as a small mocha latte from Dunkin' Donuts.
"If you think about the 290 calories in it, then compare it to a small order of french fries from McDonald's," he said.
But there are plenty of ways to have your favorite beverages while avoiding those renegade calories.
"You've got to do portion control." Katz said. "Don't order the Venti. And use common sense. … Recognize that that bottle of vitamin water is really two-and-a-half servings … and it's sweetened with sugar. You just have to pay attention to what you're putting in your body. Don't automatically assume that just because it says 'water' it really is water."
The Numbers Behind the Beverages:
Dunkin Donuts Peppermint Mocha Latte in a 10-ounce cup Calories: 290 Grams of fat: 9g Grams of sugar: 49g COMPARE TO: One small McDonald's fries, 230 calories
Starbucks new hot chocolate, called Chantico, in a 6 oz. cup [no whipped cream] Calories: 390 Grams of fat: 21g Grams of sugar: 40g COMPARE TO: One McDonald's quarter pounder, 420 calories
Snapple iced tea, mint flavored [16 ounces] Calories: 220 calories Grams of fat: 0 Grams of sugar: 50g COMPARE TO: 1.5 oz. packet of Chips Ahoy Minis, 210 calories
Baskin Robbins Strawberry Smoothie, 24 oz. Calories: 500 Grams of fat: 1g Grams of sugar: 106g COMPARE TO: A clear measuring cup of 106 grams [1/4 pound] of sugar
Vitamin Water, defense flavored — The label says 2½ servings per container, but of course, most people drink the whole bottle, which is 20 ounces. Calories: 150 Grams of fat: 0 Grams of sugar: 32.5 COMPARE TO: 13 pieces of Ritz bits cheese sandwiches, 150 calories
Starbucks Strawberry and Crème Frappuccino, venti sized with whipped cream Calories: 770 Grams of fat: 19g Grams of sugar: 122g COMPARE TO: Three McDonald's hamburgers, 770 calories
I totally believe a good deal of the obesity problem in kids is caused by these sugar-filled drinks they have. You know, the ones in the tin foil container with the straw attached. There are so many of them, not to mention the sodas. I've seen kids drink three of four at a time. It's not good.
bump for later
I drink Vodka with Diet Sprite. Low carb as it gets.
Decaffeinated green tea. Low Sodium V8 at breakfast.
Sure, it's the high fructose corn syrup that's the real villain.
Double tall, non fat bump...
Excellent resource for counting calories:
http://www.calorie-count.com/
Yessirree, Bob.
Thanks for the link to the site. My favorite salad right now is the Chik-Fil-A Southwest Chicken salad---am so happy to find out it's less than 300 calories (and I use the fat free Honey Mustard dressing, yum yum)!
This is not good. Have recently become addicted to Starbucks' Chantico. Not good.
The "Lardassification" of America. The difference between 200 lb and 400lb is A Big Mac super-sized!
You're right. The amount of food a typical restarant serves is outrageous and unneccessary. Give me 1/2 the portion for a few dollars less and I'll be happy.
Are those good? I remember seeing that chain when I visited my friend in Georgia and for some reason I remember her telling me that the owners were religious Christians and that (at least originally) they weren't open on Sundays. But I just saw last week they opened one up here in San Diego down the street! I just might go and try that salad today. Thanks!
LOL. I've never heard that term before. It's so true. I think fat butt American's could loss some poundage just from cutting back on soda intake.
I say drink water. It does a body good in so many ways.
Their both true. Just like when you're an adult. But the drinks are just empty, empty calories.
I don't go to Starbucks so I know nothing about their drinks. Can someone tell me what is in a Frappuccino that makes it so fattening?
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