The summer season is upon us and with it comes bathing suit season. But it’s not just the bathing suits that strike fear in the hearts of most people; it is the season of skinny clothes. The weather is hot and sticky and clothing becomes an imposition. Unfortunately, not everyone has the physique to pull off the skimpy clothes look. And since more clothes results in more sweat, this usually means the body will require more liquids to keep cool.
Hot weather can steal away your appetite. Since the heat tends to dehydrate the body you will likely seek additional quantities of liquid refreshment. You are probably like most people and assume that since you are eating less due to the heat, you should see the needle on the scale moving downward. But if you are selecting the wrong beverages to rehydrate your body, you could be drinking as much, if not more, in calories as you would if you were eating them. The liquid calories could keep the needle on your scale moving steadily upward.
Some of the favorite summers beverages can pack the same calorie punch as an entire meal at McDonald’s or Burger King. Coffee drinks, fruit smoothies, and milkshakes are packed full of calories, fat, and loaded with sugar. One of the worst examples of liquid refreshment that can pack on the extra pounds is Baskin Robbins’s Large Heath Bar Shake. This milk shake is a 32oz meal which infuses you with an entire day’s calorie and almost two day’s fat allowance in one drink, 2310 calories and 108g saturated fat.
How do you avoid the summer liquid diet weight gain? Think before you drink. If the beverage you are consuming has candy bars in the name or the drink, you may want to rethink your choice. Beware of the drinks with fruit in the names that sound healthy but can load on the pounds with large quantities of sugar. And yes, the summer cocktails are a big contributor of calories. Your safest route for summer drink is water. Drink plenty of water and you won’t find your thirst pushing you to buy that 2000 calorie drink. If you want to indulge, select small sizes and low calorie/fat free options.