Weight Management Tips

Diet and Exercise Leading to Personal Wealth!

Weight Management Top Tips (Series Day 9)

13 May 2009 376 views View Comments

Now so far, we’ve touched on quite a few things that one can do to manage their weight better, but ironically, this next tip is far too often the one that most people just can’t follow very well. The reasons behind this often boggle my mind. Is it really that important to drink coffee as a social endeavor? And seriously, do we really have to drink all those juices? More importantly, must we really cave into our children so early that they get juice or a juice “box” every time they’re thirsty? And than there is tea! I’m not talking herbal teas here. I’m talking the sugary sweet tea that has become so common when it became an acceptable replacement to all that soda. No, no, no! SUGAR! And lots of it! Yooo hoooo! WATER! Minimize the coffee, juice and tea that you and your children drink each day and you will have immediate benefits to the way you look and feel!

Most of us just can’t get our day started without a hot cup of coffee. Research shows that there is no reason to deprive yourself of that cup of Jo. Coffee in moderation (about 2-3 cups a day) can actually have health benefits. It has been linked to preventing the development of type II diabetes and in reducing the risks for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. It contains important antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. Other research has shown its ability to increase mental focus and improve the symptoms of Asthma among other health benefits. In fact, there is research that shows that drinking black coffee before exercising may actually help the body burn fat more efficiently. Like most things though, when drinking more than 2-3 cups a day the benefits may turn to health risks. Everything from heart disease, to elevating cholesterol, to osteoporosis have been be connected with excessive caffeine consumption. What you put in your coffee can also make a difference on the benefits of the drink. Adding sugar and/or cream can add 100′s of calories and unwanted fat to an otherwise calorie free drink.

Something to keep front and center in your Starbucks crazed minds…… a Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino has 430 calories, 130 calories from fat, 70g of carbohydrates and 60g of sugar! A LOW FAT, Caramel Machiatto still has 222 calories, 43 calories from fat and 36g of carbs. Sit down now….. A LOW FAT, Chai Latte has 332 calories, 80 fat calories and 46g of carbs. Do you see what I see now? Do you realize just how quickly this adds up?

Now that I’ve ruined so many people’s day by providing this astonishing Starbucks information, let me finish off by reminding you, those numbers noted above are for 16 oz cups of coffee. When we recommend 2-3 cups per day, that is 8 oz servings, not the biggest cup you can find, filled up 2-3 times! Keep this in mind whether you are drinking Starbucks, McDonald’s or your famous home blend.

Now, instead of choosing that cup of Jo, some of you reach for tea! I’m not talking herbal teas here! I’m talking about the sweetened tea served just about everywhere. Now, before anyone gets upset, I’m not saying you cannot drink this type of tea, but what I am saying is to be cognizant of the amounts you drink. Reason? Simple! The sugar! These sweet teas have a tremendous amount of sugar! These unseen sugars add up very quickly and can sabotage any efforts to manage your weight.

Lastly, we have juice. There are so many types of juices and juice wanna – be products out there today. Everyone figures drinking juice is going to be good for us, right? Nope, not always. It all depends on the “juice”. Most of the juices in the market have additives, including tons of sugar. This translate into little nutritional value and lots of calories. When choosing a juice, make sure it’s all natural with no extra’s added. The only acceptable “add ins” are vitamins and minerals. The best choice is to make the juice yourself. This will ensure that the full nutritional value of your fruit and/or veggies are present, while eliminating the possibility of all the unnecessary chemicals and sugars.

Keep in mind though, that a glass of juice can sometimes more than triple the calories you would otherwise intake by simply eating a piece of fruit or vegetable! Having a fresh, homemade glass of juice can be delicious and healthy, but if you are counting your calories, it may pile on too many with a single glass. Hint, Hint… you are better off having the fresh whole fruit or veggie, it will satisfy your hunger with fewer calories.

I hope you understand the reasons behind this tip. I hope you can see all the “hidden” calories floating around in the drinks of choice for so many of us. Be weary! Be careful! Just put a little thought into your next and all future drink orders. If you are able to begin cutting back on half of your consumption of the above on a daily basis, this post will have done its job.

Next? The importance of freshness…..and not for your tastebuds either!