Fattening beverages loaded with sugar have become a significant concern in modern diets. These drinks, often disguised as refreshers, are packed with excessive amounts of sugar, contributing to weight gain and a host of health issues. From sodas and energy drinks to sweetened teas and fruit juices, these sugary beverages deliver empty calories that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
We checked in with Jesse Feder, a registered dietitian and personal trainer at My Crohn’s and Colitis Team, to learn about two high-calorie beverages to avoid because they are loaded with sugar. He revealed that soda and energy drinks are the ones to minimize. Read on to find out why.
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1. Soda
A typical can of soda contains around 10 teaspoons of sugar, often in the form of high fructose corn syrup or sucrose. This high sugar content leads to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash that can increase hunger and cravings for more sugary foods. Regular consumption of sugary beverages like soda can lead to an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen, which is linked to higher risks of metabolic diseases.
"Sugar-sweetened sodas are typically very high in sugar and calories," Feder warns. "They do not offer any real nutritional value and can be quite addictive due to their appealing taste. The high amount of sugar and calories can easily add on stomach fat and prevent weight loss."
2. Energy drinks
Many energy drinks contain substantial amounts of sugar, often as much as or more than a can of soda. Similar to sodas, the calories in energy drinks come almost exclusively from sugar, providing no beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, or fiber. These empty calories can contribute significantly to daily calorie intake without offering any satiety, increasing the likelihood of overeating.
"Sugar-sweetened energy drinks are high in sugar, calories, and caffeine," Feder says, noting that the lack of nutritional value can lead to weight gain over time.
"Additionally," he says, "They have high amounts of caffeine that can actually disrupt sleep, increase stress, and increase cortisol levels. This can contribute to weight gain as well as fat accumulation throughout your body and stomach."
