Sip Smart: Are Liquid Calories Easier to Burn?
It’s safe to say that a favorite of many this time of year are those cozy, fall-flavored drinks! Hot chocolate, sugar, pumpkin spice, and everything nice!
However while it is important to enjoy your holiday season, we should all air on the side of caution when adding sugary drinks into our routines.
A common nutrition myth we hear: "liquid calories are easier to burn than food calories.”
This is simply not true.
While many people believe that liquid calories are easier to digest and therefore burn, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
In fact, under this false pretense, people who opt for sugary drink items over solid foods may fall prey to “hidden calories” which refer to calories that are less filling and therefore lead you to believe you are still hungry, and ingesting more. This, combined with the fact that these liquid calories are easier and quicker to consume, can result in weight gain.
Let’s put this it in perspective with some of our favorite holiday treats, and then explore some tasty alternatives!
STARBUCKS COFFEE
A Starbucks Grande Iced Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte is 350 calories!
Did you know that is as much as a full Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin? If we had to guess which of these options will fill you up and keep you from grabbing a second snack, we’d say the muffin!
Instead, when at Starbucks looking for a festive drink, enjoy a tall Honey Almondmilk Flat White for 120 calories.
TOM HORTONS
A Tim Hortons Chocolate Peanut Butter Iced Capp with Reese’s is 590 calories for a medium.
That is more than two Tim Hortons Pumpkin Spice Donuts!
Instead of the Reese’s Ice Cap, opt for a Vanilla Almond Iced Coffee for a cozy vanilla flavor! A large runs at 180 calories, a fraction of the caloric content of a medium Reese’s Ice Cap.
Overall, if you are looking for a treat here and there this season, opt for foods with substance to avoid some seasonal weight gain with “hidden calories!”
Photo Credit: Starbucks and Tim Hortons
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This article was written and submitted by Gianna Coscia.
Dr. Gianna Coscia is a physician assistant in clinical neurosurgical research with UBNS and is the founder of FutureMed Compass LLC, a innovative and interactive PA school admissions program to take students through A-Z of their applications and insight unique career paths. (Join a free course or the full program here: https://www.futuremedcompass.com)
