The 4 Most Fattening Summer Drinks
Amy Paturel, SELF magazine
In the dog days of summer, we're all jonesing for cold drinks to help us stay cool and hydrated -- which is why we were bummed to learn this week that even DIET soda can pack on pounds.
According to a new study, people who drank two or more diet soft drinks a day had a waist size five times greater than those who skipped the calorie-free colas. Yikes!
But soda isn't the only ice-cold drink to beware of. Here are four more popular summer beverages that could add up to thousands of hidden and unsatisfying calories.
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1. Frappuccino - While Starbucks does not market its Frappuccinos as healthful beverages, we were shocked to discover just how bad some of them are (at least nutritionally). In addition to a hefty dose of calories and sugar, the 24-ounce Mint Mocha Chip Frappuccino contains 590 calories and 22 grams of fat -- yowza! Still determined to get a chilly caffeine fix? A tall coffee Frappuccino is only 180 calories. Better yet, go for a simple iced coffee. A tall iced soy latte, for example, weighs in at just 80 calories and 2 grams of fat.
2. Daiquiris, Pina Coladas and other blended alcoholic concoctions - With 4 ounces of mix and 1.5 ounces of liquor, a Daiquiri weighs in at 305 calories -- almost all sugar! A lot of these drinks are served in very large quantities (like 12 to 16 ounces), so your 300-calorie drink is likely to boast up to 800 calories. Better poolside option? A tall Bloody Mary. A standard-size cocktail adds up to about 120 calories, and you get a serving of vegetables to boot! Request a "hot and dirty" one -- it sounds sassy, plus the added heat boosts metabolism!
See Also:The Ultimate Bikini Body Workout
3. Long Island Iced Tea - Use T.G.I. Friday's mixer and a 12-ounce serving will add 520 calories to your daily intake. And that's with a mixer! Chances are, the restaurant-versions are equally sinful. Opt for a wine spritzer (3 ounces of wine and 3 ounces of club soda, which tops out at about 60 calories) or fruity sangria (an 80-calorie combination of wine, fruit juice, club soda and fresh fruit) instead.
4. Dunkin' Donuts' Strawberry Banana Smoothie - Weighing in at 700 calories and four grams of fat, this 32-ounce doozie has enough calories to cover two meals. And while strawberries and bananas are low in calories and full of vitamins and fiber, this drink's high calorie and sugar content is off the charts. Make your own smoothie at home with strawberries, bananas and Greek yogurt. Or visit Jamba Juice for a custom order sans calories and fat. You'll get the same antioxidant hit without compromising your bikini bod.
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