How many calories are in your drink?

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Are you drinking more calories than you need?

For most people, December is a time to celebrate and relax but, before you put your feet up and open a cold beer, pour a glass of wine or sip a fizzy cool drink, think about the liquid calories they add to your daily intake - over and above the mince pies and potato salad. 

“It’s important to understand the labels on drinks, so that you know exactly what you’re consuming,” explains Nestlé Wellness Manager, Naazneen Khan. “In addition, a high sugar intake in your diet can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer and hypertension. Just as we control our portions and what we eat, so too should we control the amount of sugar we consume in beverage form throughout the day.

Clever tricks

“The trick is to learn to be clever about your choices. Spoil yourself on those special occasions, and choose healthy, lower calorie options whenever you can,” says Naazneen. “Add a splash of fruit juice to sparkling water for a delicious refreshing drink or make water more exciting by adding slices of mint, lemon and cucumber.” 

What to watch out for

Beverage sweeteners add calories and go by many different names. If you see ingredients such as ‘high-fructose corn syrup,’ ‘dextrose,’ ‘fructose,’ ‘sucrose’ and ‘fruit juice concentrates,’ be aware that you’re drinking a sugar-sweetened beverage. 

“Smoothies are a great example of hidden calories,” explains Naazneen. “They can be very healthy, especially when packed with fruit and leafy green vegetables, but they can also be high in natural sugars which could pile on calories, if they’re consumed as a ‘between meals’ snack and the calories they contain are not burned off during the day.”

Read on for a comparison of calories and sugar in your favourite drinks... 

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