I was recently listening to an interview with Internist/Endocrinologist Dr. Katja Van Herle and she shared her “Top 7 Tips for Weight Loss.” One of the most important items on her list was to banish three things from your diet. Can you guess what they are? They aren’t even foods…they’re beverages!
1. Fruit Juice- Fruit juices are loaded with sugars, particularly if you purchase them rather than juice fresh fruits yourself. Bottled juice can contain added sugar (natural or artificial) and preservatives.
Image via Wikipedia
And take a look at the calorie content of those scrumptious smoothies and juices you can purchase from your local smoothie shop. Some smoothies at Jamba Juice contain over 500kcal each! Check out their nutrition profile here. If you really crave a refreshing fruit juice, eat the whole fruit itself. That way you are also getting the fiber and other vitamins naturally.
2. Soda – this one is pretty obvious. Soda is not good for you. Even diet soda. According to Dr. V, experts believe the artificial sweeteners in diet colas may lead to brain disfunction and memory problems.
Image via Wikipedia
In addition, the phosphoric acid found in dark colas may decrease bone density; and caffeine itself may interfere with calcium absorption . In a study at Tufts University researchers found that women “regularly drank cola-based sodas — three or more a day — had almost 4% lower bone mineral density in the hip, even though researchers controlled for calcium and vitamin D intake. But women who
drank non-cola soft drinks, like Sprite or Mountain Dew, didn’t appear to have lower bone density.” Reference Web Site Here
3. Alcohol - It’s pure sugar. Some alcoholic beverages may have fewer calories than others, but if you are truly commited to weight loss try cutting out alcohol and watch the results.
You can listen to Dr. V’s entire interview and here the rest of the Top 7 Tips by downloading her podcast on iTunes: Jillian Michaels Podcast: “Circuit Training, Winter Workouts and Dr. V;” 10/14/11 (begins minute 17:12)
