If you’re trying to lose weight, you may be making some major changes to your diet. For example, maybe you’ve made efforts to cut out processed snacks, frozen foods, and sugary sodas. However, it’s possible you’re forgetting about one type of beverage that could be a major contributor of inflammation and weight gain: Juice. Although juice is often thought of as a fairly healthy beverage option, it turns out that many of the varieties you find at the store are actually packed with sugar, making them highly inflammatory and a major no-go when it comes to weight loss.
Of course, not all juices are created equal. While unsweetened varieties may be just fine in moderation, there are a few types in particular that should be avoided as much as possible if you struggle with inflammation or want to lose weight. To discover one of the worst juices out there for your overall health, we spoke to Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet. She told us that Hi-C is one you should definitely leave on the shelf next time you’re at the grocery store due to its high sugar content. Learn more below!
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Hi-C
Although Hi-C may taste great and make you nostalgic for your childhood in all of its juice box glory, and although the name may make it sound like a great vitamin C-rich option, Richards says it’s among the worst choices out there due to its high sugar and calorie content. Plus, we’ll let you in on a not-so-little secret: it’s actually only 10% juice. The other ingredients are highly processed and therefore inflammatory.
“Hi-C is a fruit-flavored drink that is high in sugar and calories, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess,” Richards warns. Sugar, in particular, is a major culprit of chronic inflammation, especially if you consume a lot of it on a regular basis. One reason for this is the fact that it produces free fatty acids in the liver, which, when digested, can lead to inflammation.
Additionally, it’s probably not a surprise to hear that you should avoid eating too much sugar if you’re trying to lose weight. This will spike your blood sugar, lead to insulin resistance, and more, all of which can contribute to weight gain. Additionally, eating sugar only makes you crave more sugar, which means you’re more likely to overindulge on extra sweets (and calories).
Of course, we’re not saying you can never drink Hi-C or other high-sugar juices again. Remember that one major key to staying healthy is consuming everything in moderation. “Like all sugary drinks, it is best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables and whole fruits,” Richards tells us. “To limit the impact on weight, it’s best to choose juices with less added sugar. Unsweetened, 100% fruit juices can also be a good option if consumed in moderation.”
However, it’s always best to stick with the healthiest options whenever possible, especially if you want to shed a few pounds. “If you are looking to manage your weight, it may be better to opt for water or unsweetened drinks, and limit the amount of sugary drinks you consume,” she concludes. And that definitely takes Hi-C out of the equation!
