If You're Trying to Lose Weight, You May Want to Give Up These Drinks

"No surprises here; soda is loaded with unnecessary sugar and calories, and it doesn't even fill you up," New York City-based dietitian Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, told POPSUGAR. "If you're drinking a soda with a meal, you could be doubling your calories, depending on the size of the drink. Seriously, it's not worth drinking the stuff for anyone trying to lose weight. If you're having a hard time dropping the soda habit, try a flavoured seltzer, like LaCroix."

Unfortunately, recent research indicates that artificial sweeteners may increase feelings of hunger," Natalie said. "With that, drinking diet soda may actually cause you to overeat calories and hinder your weight loss."

"Fruity summertime cocktails, like daiquiris, piña coladas, mojitos, and sangria, have one thing in common: sugar," Natalie explained. "Unfortunately, some of them can have as much sugar and calories as a soda. While you probably drink them less often than a soda, they don't fit well into a weight-loss plan. Skip the fruity drinks and opt for a glass of wine or your favourite spirit on the rocks with a twist."

"Things like vanilla lattes or caramel macchiatos are the furthest thing from coffee," Natalie said. "The syrups that give the drinks flavour are more sugar and calories than some desserts. If you're trying to lose weight, skip the trip to Starbucks or opt for a regular coffee with some milk."

"Premade fruit smoothies sold at grocery and convenience stores are usually loaded with sugar. Drinking one or two of these smoothies per day could sabotage your weight-loss efforts," Jillian said. "To avoid the sugar shock, make your own smoothie at home. Stick to one cup of fruit then add in greens and a protein source like protein powder, and mix with unsweetened almond milk for a nutritious and delicious alternative to store-bought smoothies."