Monday, March 5, 2012
Worst Commercial Beverages
Monday, March 05, 2012 | 
Posted by
art_tatto_design_extremeWorst Commercial Beverages
You eat right and exercise regularly, so you don’t understand why you’re carrying a couple of extra pounds? The answer may not be in what you’re chewing, but in what you’re sipping. That’s right: Your favorite beverage may be to blame.
Most of us tend to overlook beverages when we count calories, fat grams or carbs. Well, I have news for you: The average American consumes approximately 156 pounds of sugar each year, and most of this sugar is ingested via sweet drinks.
The media has done a great job of publicizing the link between soft drinks and obesity, so more and more people are turning to alternative beverages -- such as energy drinks, juices or coffees -- in the hopes of eliminating some extra calories.
Unfortunately, what people do not realize is that these alternative drinks can be just as bad (if not worse) than their bubbly counterparts that have received such a bad name.
Read on for some of the worst commercial beverages in the most popular drink categories: soft drinks, alcohol, coffee, and everything else (juice, sports drinks, etc).
Bad beverages
Soft Drinks
The can of cola has become a staple of American living. Children recognize and crave soda more than water, and until recently, school-age children were given free range to guzzle soda all day long during school hours.
As Americans have gotten fatter in recent years, nutrition groups and health advocates have been studying the link between soda and weight gain, and they have found that soft drinks are the biggest source of calories in the average American’s diet. Soft drink companies know this too -- in fact, they manufacture enough of their products each year to provide nearly 53 gallons to each American.
Studies show that people who consume soft drinks regularly are more likely to be overweight and develop diabetes than those who do not drink the sugary beverages.
Although drinking any soft drink regularly is not exactly good for you, here’s a list of some of the worst culprits in the lineup:
Welch’s Grape Soda (12-oz can)
190 calories
51 g carbohydrates
55 mg sodium
51 g sugar
Mountain Dew (12-oz can)
165 calories
47 g carbohydrates
75 mg sodium
47 g sugar
Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper (12-oz can)
150 calories
39 g carbohydrates
60 mg sodium
38 g sugar
As if regular soft drinks (think Classic Coke or Pepsi) weren’t enough, soft drink companies are getting creative and inventing new flavors, which ultimately consist of more sugar and more calories.
Take the cherry flavor, for example (as noted in the above example). If you like the cherry-cola taste, but think that there are better alternatives to Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper, you should know that regular Cherry Coke is no better! In fact, with 156 calories, 42 g of carbohydrates, 35 mg of sodium, and 42 g of sugar, a Cherry Coke is definitely not a healthier option.
Remember that a regular can of soda is loaded with sugar. If you add different flavors (vanilla, cherry, etc), you are ingesting more sugar and more calories. My advice? Pick up a can of diet instead.
Specialty Coffee Drinks
If you prefer to get your afternoon kick from coffee rather than soda, you’re not doing yourself any favors.
With loads of added sugar, larger cups and the option to have whipped cream with everything, grabbing an afternoon latte can be more dangerous for your waistline then having a candy bar or a donut.
Here are some examples of the worst java drinks you can choose:
Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino Blended Coffee (16 oz)
510 calories
22 g fat
73 g carbohydrates
59 g sugar
310 mg sodium
Dunkin Donuts Mocha Almond Hot Latte (16 oz)
464 calories
16 g fat
73 g carbohydrates
72 g sugar
184 mg sodium
Starbucks Double Chocolate Chip Frappucino Blended Crème (16 oz)
590 calories
24 g fat
83 g carbohydrates
67 g sugar
410 mg sodium
If you’re craving a dessert, then have one of these drinks. But know that just because these “coffees” come in a paper cup, they aren’t better choices than a cookie, a scoop of ice cream or a piece of cake.
The options listed above contribute a large chunk of the average person’s daily calorie and fat requirements, and they don’t provide any nutritional benefits. Therefore, they really aren’t sound choices, except for the occasional treat.
Alcohol
If you’re watching your weight, it is probably best to avoid alcohol. I know you’re already aware of this, but I’m also realistic; sometimes, you just want to have a drink. Just keep in mind that some choices are much worse than others.
Although the majority of calories usually come from the mixers that are used to create cocktails (beware of Long Island Ice Teas, Margaritas and White Russians at the bar!), there are some forms of store-bought alcohol that also provide an unhealthy punch.
Most alcoholic beverages are devoid of any nutrients or vitamins (with the exception of red wine), so when you drink, you are basically consuming empty calories.
Here is a sampling of the worst choices you can make:
Port (Muscatel)
1,118 calories per bottle (around 140 calories for two small glasses)
97.5 g carbohydrates (around 12 grams for two small glasses)
Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix (not counting the tequila) (8 oz)
200 calories
48 g carbohydrates
48 g sugar
Bacardi Breezer (1 bottle)
198 calories
27 g carbohydrates
10 g of sugar (depending on the flavor)
An “alcopop” is a term coined for beverages that are alcoholic versions of soft drinks, such as the Bacardi Breezer mentioned above. They tend to be fizzy, sugary and colorful, and claim to be more “refreshing” than your average cocktail.
They also tend to be loaded with sugar and carbs. Although they have created “half sugar” versions of these fizzy cocktails, it’s probably best to stick with a light beer or a glass of white wine if you want a drink.
Assorted Drinks
Maybe you weren’t surprised that soft drinks, coffee and alcohol are bad for you. How about the bottle of blue stuff you take with you to the gym? Or, the “healthy” cup of juice you drink every morning?
That’s right: It’s not just the obvious drinks that are bad for your health.
Many fruit juices, sports drinks and energy drinks push their “added vitamins and minerals,” and “increased energy.” However, most of the beverages in this category are loaded with sugar, caffeine, sodium, and empty calories.
The majority of people who guzzle these drinks every day as part of a “healthy diet” would probably be better off sticking to water. Here are the worst choices:
Rockstar Energy Drink (16-oz can)
220 calories
70 mg sodium
58 g carbohydrates
54 g sugar
PowerAde Sports Drink (32-oz bottle)
256 calories
212 mg sodium
68 g carbohydrates
60 g sugar
Minute Maid Cranberry Grape Juice (8 oz) (alternate)
150 calories
39 g carbohydrates
38 g sugar
20 mg sodium
Additional tips
If you’re craving soda, stick to the diet version.
Next time you’re invited for drinks with a friend, try a low-carb beer or dry white wine. Although these options are not “good” for you, they do provide a lower sugar content and fewer calories.
If you must have a glass of juice in the morning before work, try the “light” version and make sure it is 100% juice (many juices add extra sugar for taste).
You don’t need a sports drink to provide you with energy before a workout. If you’re feeling sluggish, try eating a piece of whole-wheat bread with a tablespoon of peanut butter, a cup of low-fat yogurt, or a piece of fruit. The food will give your body nutrients and vitamins, as well as an extra boost of energy to get you through your workout.
Drink more water. Although it does not have to be the only thing you drink, it should be the main staple. Water is refreshing, and it is 100% calorie- and fat-free. More importantly, your body needs it.
Count those calories
Calories come in all shapes and sizes. Most people overlook what they drink as part of their daily diet; this alone can keep them from losing the last five pounds or firming up their midsection. Be aware of the calories in liquids and you’ll finally be able to reach your goals.
You eat right and exercise regularly, so you don’t understand why you’re carrying a couple of extra pounds? The answer may not be in what you’re chewing, but in what you’re sipping. That’s right: Your favorite beverage may be to blame.
Most of us tend to overlook beverages when we count calories, fat grams or carbs. Well, I have news for you: The average American consumes approximately 156 pounds of sugar each year, and most of this sugar is ingested via sweet drinks.
The media has done a great job of publicizing the link between soft drinks and obesity, so more and more people are turning to alternative beverages -- such as energy drinks, juices or coffees -- in the hopes of eliminating some extra calories.
Unfortunately, what people do not realize is that these alternative drinks can be just as bad (if not worse) than their bubbly counterparts that have received such a bad name.
Read on for some of the worst commercial beverages in the most popular drink categories: soft drinks, alcohol, coffee, and everything else (juice, sports drinks, etc).
Bad beverages
Soft Drinks
The can of cola has become a staple of American living. Children recognize and crave soda more than water, and until recently, school-age children were given free range to guzzle soda all day long during school hours.
As Americans have gotten fatter in recent years, nutrition groups and health advocates have been studying the link between soda and weight gain, and they have found that soft drinks are the biggest source of calories in the average American’s diet. Soft drink companies know this too -- in fact, they manufacture enough of their products each year to provide nearly 53 gallons to each American.
Studies show that people who consume soft drinks regularly are more likely to be overweight and develop diabetes than those who do not drink the sugary beverages.
Although drinking any soft drink regularly is not exactly good for you, here’s a list of some of the worst culprits in the lineup:
Welch’s Grape Soda (12-oz can)
190 calories
51 g carbohydrates
55 mg sodium
51 g sugar
Mountain Dew (12-oz can)
165 calories
47 g carbohydrates
75 mg sodium
47 g sugar
Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper (12-oz can)
150 calories
39 g carbohydrates
60 mg sodium
38 g sugar
As if regular soft drinks (think Classic Coke or Pepsi) weren’t enough, soft drink companies are getting creative and inventing new flavors, which ultimately consist of more sugar and more calories.
Take the cherry flavor, for example (as noted in the above example). If you like the cherry-cola taste, but think that there are better alternatives to Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper, you should know that regular Cherry Coke is no better! In fact, with 156 calories, 42 g of carbohydrates, 35 mg of sodium, and 42 g of sugar, a Cherry Coke is definitely not a healthier option.
Remember that a regular can of soda is loaded with sugar. If you add different flavors (vanilla, cherry, etc), you are ingesting more sugar and more calories. My advice? Pick up a can of diet instead.
Specialty Coffee Drinks
If you prefer to get your afternoon kick from coffee rather than soda, you’re not doing yourself any favors.
With loads of added sugar, larger cups and the option to have whipped cream with everything, grabbing an afternoon latte can be more dangerous for your waistline then having a candy bar or a donut.
Here are some examples of the worst java drinks you can choose:
Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino Blended Coffee (16 oz)
510 calories
22 g fat
73 g carbohydrates
59 g sugar
310 mg sodium
Dunkin Donuts Mocha Almond Hot Latte (16 oz)
464 calories
16 g fat
73 g carbohydrates
72 g sugar
184 mg sodium
Starbucks Double Chocolate Chip Frappucino Blended Crème (16 oz)
590 calories
24 g fat
83 g carbohydrates
67 g sugar
410 mg sodium
If you’re craving a dessert, then have one of these drinks. But know that just because these “coffees” come in a paper cup, they aren’t better choices than a cookie, a scoop of ice cream or a piece of cake.
The options listed above contribute a large chunk of the average person’s daily calorie and fat requirements, and they don’t provide any nutritional benefits. Therefore, they really aren’t sound choices, except for the occasional treat.
Alcohol
If you’re watching your weight, it is probably best to avoid alcohol. I know you’re already aware of this, but I’m also realistic; sometimes, you just want to have a drink. Just keep in mind that some choices are much worse than others.
Although the majority of calories usually come from the mixers that are used to create cocktails (beware of Long Island Ice Teas, Margaritas and White Russians at the bar!), there are some forms of store-bought alcohol that also provide an unhealthy punch.
Most alcoholic beverages are devoid of any nutrients or vitamins (with the exception of red wine), so when you drink, you are basically consuming empty calories.
Here is a sampling of the worst choices you can make:
Port (Muscatel)
1,118 calories per bottle (around 140 calories for two small glasses)
97.5 g carbohydrates (around 12 grams for two small glasses)
Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix (not counting the tequila) (8 oz)
200 calories
48 g carbohydrates
48 g sugar
Bacardi Breezer (1 bottle)
198 calories
27 g carbohydrates
10 g of sugar (depending on the flavor)
An “alcopop” is a term coined for beverages that are alcoholic versions of soft drinks, such as the Bacardi Breezer mentioned above. They tend to be fizzy, sugary and colorful, and claim to be more “refreshing” than your average cocktail.
They also tend to be loaded with sugar and carbs. Although they have created “half sugar” versions of these fizzy cocktails, it’s probably best to stick with a light beer or a glass of white wine if you want a drink.
Assorted Drinks
Maybe you weren’t surprised that soft drinks, coffee and alcohol are bad for you. How about the bottle of blue stuff you take with you to the gym? Or, the “healthy” cup of juice you drink every morning?
That’s right: It’s not just the obvious drinks that are bad for your health.
Many fruit juices, sports drinks and energy drinks push their “added vitamins and minerals,” and “increased energy.” However, most of the beverages in this category are loaded with sugar, caffeine, sodium, and empty calories.
The majority of people who guzzle these drinks every day as part of a “healthy diet” would probably be better off sticking to water. Here are the worst choices:
Rockstar Energy Drink (16-oz can)
220 calories
70 mg sodium
58 g carbohydrates
54 g sugar
PowerAde Sports Drink (32-oz bottle)
256 calories
212 mg sodium
68 g carbohydrates
60 g sugar
Minute Maid Cranberry Grape Juice (8 oz) (alternate)
150 calories
39 g carbohydrates
38 g sugar
20 mg sodium
Additional tips
If you’re craving soda, stick to the diet version.
Next time you’re invited for drinks with a friend, try a low-carb beer or dry white wine. Although these options are not “good” for you, they do provide a lower sugar content and fewer calories.
If you must have a glass of juice in the morning before work, try the “light” version and make sure it is 100% juice (many juices add extra sugar for taste).
You don’t need a sports drink to provide you with energy before a workout. If you’re feeling sluggish, try eating a piece of whole-wheat bread with a tablespoon of peanut butter, a cup of low-fat yogurt, or a piece of fruit. The food will give your body nutrients and vitamins, as well as an extra boost of energy to get you through your workout.
Drink more water. Although it does not have to be the only thing you drink, it should be the main staple. Water is refreshing, and it is 100% calorie- and fat-free. More importantly, your body needs it.
Count those calories
Calories come in all shapes and sizes. Most people overlook what they drink as part of their daily diet; this alone can keep them from losing the last five pounds or firming up their midsection. Be aware of the calories in liquids and you’ll finally be able to reach your goals.
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