Your Health & Beverages: Here’s What You’re Really Drinking

We all have our favorite go-to beverages for different occasions. Maybe you enjoy a glass of orange juice in the morning with your breakfast, coffee when you get to work and a sports drink with your lunch. But, how many calories do you think are in those drinks? And how many portions are you really drinking?

You probably have a plethora of glasses in all shapes and sizes in your cabinets and it can make it difficult to really gauge how much you’re drinking and how many calories you’re consuming. Most people overlook the calories that come in their drinks, but those cups of coffee can really add up if you’re not paying close attention. Take a look at the what is in some of your favorite drinks and the typical serving sizes:

• Low-Fat Milk
  • Serving Size = 8 oz.
  • Calorie Count = 102
• Coffee (with sugar and half & half)
  • Serving Size = 8 oz. coffee + 1 tbsp half & half + 2 tsp sugar
  • Calorie Count = 79

• Bottled Sweet Tea
  • Serving Size = 16 oz.
  • Calorie Count = 160

• Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino (whole milk + whipped cream)
  • Serving Size = 16 oz. (grande)
  • Calorie Count = 410

• Smoothie King Slim-N-Trim Strawberry
  • Serving Size = 20 oz.
  • Calorie Count = 240

• Orange Juice
  • Serving Size = 8 oz.
  • Calorie Count = 110

• Sports Drink
  • Serving Size = 1 20-oz. bottle
  • Calorie Count = 140

• Soda
  • Serving Size = 1 12-oz. can
  • Calorie Count = 150

• Wine
  • Serving Size = 5 oz.
  • Calorie Count = 120–125

• Regular Beer
  • Serving Size = 1 12-oz. can
  • Calorie Count = 154

• Light Beer
  • Serving Size = 1 12-oz. can
  • Calorie Count = 95–115

So, how can cut down on the calories you’re drinking? Here are a few things you should know that can help:

• Serving sizes can be sneaky: When you have larger glasses, that means larger portions sizes and increased calorie count. Pick out a glass that is small and you won’t be tempted to get that large pour.
• Read the labels: When you’re looking at the serving size for a bottled beverage, most of them contain more than one serving size. You may be consuming more calories than you think when you drink the whole bottle.
• Add-ins add up: If you’re adding creamer to your coffee or some fancy ingredients to your smoothies, you’re also increasing the calorie count. Try going without the extras!
• Higher alcohol content:  The higher ABV is in your beer, wine, or liquor = more calories. There are plenty of low-calorie options when it comes to alcohol. Be conscious of what you are drinking and see if you can find some healthier options.