Shedding those stubborn pounds can be a great challenge when you’re on a path to losing weight. While we focus so much on which foods to eliminate from our diet, many people forget to do the same when it comes to beverages. Due to their light consistency and harmless branding in the media, many drinks are portrayed as refreshing, thus brushing off the harmful effects they have, especially on your weight.
To find out the two drinks you should stop putting in your body because they cause weight gain, we spoke to Dr. Suzanne Manzi, MD, and Nate Masterson, health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics. Manzi and Masterson agreed that soda and alcohol are some of the worst drinks to consume when it comes to weight management. Read on to learn more.
Soda
Soda is an addictive drink that makes you want to crave it more each time you take a sip. The large amount of sugar creates a sense of rush and releases 'feel good' chemicals from our brain. When pondering this, it doesn't seem like a drink this common should be allowed to contain so much sugar. This also goes without saying that soda can be a pain, literally and figuratively, when it comes to your health. It’s a major contributor to various health issues such as diabetes, weight gain, and even kidney issues!
Manzi gives us a quick breakdown of the problem with soda. "Sugary sodas are a weight loss enemy. They are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners, which can trigger a surge in insulin levels and prompt your body to store fat rather than burn it. These drinks are also high in calories yet don't make you feel full, leading to overconsumption." From added sweeteners to a surge in insulin levels, it's very obvious that soda offers no benefits when trying to slim down.
Alcohol
Just like soda, it’s pretty well known that alcohol does more harm than good for your body. Whether you're unwinding after a long day or spending quality time with your friends over some beer, it's extremely important to keep an eye out for your alcohol intake. Alcohol can lead to serious health problems in the long run, such as heart disease, a weakened immune system, and damage to your liver, which is in charge of breaking down harmful substances in your body.
Masterson shares the reason why alcohol can negatively contribute to body fat. "When alcohol metabolizes in the liver it leads to acetate, and increase in acetate levels cause the body to begin burning acetate as a fuel as opposed to glucose which is the primary source of energy in our bodies. This leads to an increase in glucose levels which contributes to weight gain." He also makes sure to note that alcohol can damage your sleeping patterns, thus causing hormonal changes, which lead to an increase in appetite.
Healthier Alternatives
There are several better options for healthy drinks out there that can replace soda and alcohol. Manzi suggests a drink that is easily found everywhere: water! "Water is the quintessential health drink. It's calorie-free, hydrates the body, aids digestion, and can even help control hunger. For those who find plain water too bland, infusing it with fresh fruits, cucumber, or herbs can add flavor without significant calories," Manzi suggests.
Masterson shares another drink that might appeal to those who enjoy bubbly drinks with a bit more flavor than water. "Due to its fermentation process, Kombucha provides your body with healthy gut bacteria known as probiotics. This can enhance your gut health as well as have several benefits for your metabolism," Masterson states. When your metabolism is in good shape, your overall health will also reap the benefits, especially when it comes to weight loss. We're sure that by eliminating soda and alcohol and replacing them with nutritional options, you'll be seeing a slimmer version of yourself in no time!
