Carbohydrates in Soda, Juice, Coffee, Nectars & Weight Gain Connection

Weight Gain & Daily Beverages, Drinks Connection

Many times overweight can be connected to the amount of beverage calories that are consumed in the daily diet rather than the amount of food calories.

For example: Dieter Judy has been having issues in keeping her weight under control for quite some time now. Her diet is quite sparse and it's difficult for her to get all her required nutritional needs into her daily diet without putting on weight. What oh what is the problem?

Oh those calorie-filled beverages. They can kill the strongest and best of weight loss plans.

CARBS IN APPLE JUICE

BASED ON 8 FLUID OUNCES, UNSWEETENED NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Apple Juice - 28 Grams

12 Fluid Ounces of Apple Juice contains about 44 Carb Grams

One cup of unsweetened apple juice contains about 114 calories, 20 mg of calcium, 12 mg of magnesium, 17 mg of phosphorus, 250 mg of potassium, and 95.5 mg of Vitamin C. Apple juice whether sweetened or unsweetened is virtually fat free.

The majority of commercial juices use apple juice as the base. Next time you wish to purchase a container of your favorite juice, check the label. Often you'll discover that apple juice is the first ingredient although the name of the juice on the front label of the container doesn't suggest such.

Because most juice is high in carbohydrate grams as well as calories, dieters who opt for a fresh apple may discover they feel full much longer than with the apple juice. Fresh apples contain a good dose of fiber which can assist in combating hunger. One small apple contains about 80 calories.

CARBS IN APRICOT NECTAR

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Apricot Nectar - 51 Grams

Apricot nectar isn't readily available and may be difficult to find at your local market. Search the specialty foods if you don't find it in the juice aisle. Apricot nectar is a bit pricey in calorie content - about as much as a soda contains ounce per ounce.

One cup of apricot nectar contains about 36 carbs, 140 calories, 18 mg of calcium, and 136.5 mg of Vitamin C. Apricot nectar is virtually fat free and cholesterol free.

Apricot nectar makes a delicious sauce or marinade for chicken. Soak chicken in apricot nectar then cook on the grill for a tangy sweet flavor. To prepare a simple sauce add a bit of cornstarch to nectar and cook until bubbly. The apricot nectar will thicken as it heats. Use about 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch to a small can of apricot nectar. If you like your sauce thicker, simply use more thickener.

CARBS IN CARROT JUICE

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Carrot Juice - 26 Grams

Low Carb Quick Chicken Soup Recipe: Add a little extra virgin olive oil to a soup pot and allow to heat. Add chopped or diced onions of any variety OR you can use leeks, shallots or garlic - or a mix of all three. Also add chopped celery. When onions are golden add cooked chicken breast. You can use either shredded, chopped or cubed chicken breast. Coat in the onion, celery and olive mixture adding cracked pepper.

Quickly add low sodium chicken broth. Finally, add either shredded carrots or sliced carrots. Cook until carrot is tender.

The amount of ingredients used are based on your personal preference. If you like a lot of chicken in your Chicken Soup recipe - then use more chicken. If you prefer more chicken broth, add more broth. Same with the carrots and seasonings. Diet Bites's low carb recipe for Chicken Soup is not only low in carbs, it's also very low in calories and tastes divine.

CARBS IN CLUB SODA

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Club Soda - 0 Grams

Although club soda is typically associated with alcohol-based drinks which can be extreme in calorie content, club soda tastes delicious on its own. It contains zero carb grams, zero calories - and virtually zero nutritional values with the exception of the following per 12 fluid ounces: ash 0.35 grams, calcium 18 grams, iron 0.4 mg, potassium 7 mg, sodium 75 mg, 0.35 mg of zinc, copper 0.021 mg, and manganese 0.004 mg.

The downside to club soda is that it may erode tooth enamel; club soda may also trigger gastric upset - or may even calm the gut in certain individuals. Water is of course the healthiest source of liquid for your body.

CARBS IN COLA

COLA BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY

Carbohydrates in Cola - 35 Carb Grams, 33 sugar grams and 136 calories

COLA BASED ON 16 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY

Carbohydrates in Cola - 47 Carb Grams, 44 sugar grams and 182 calories

COLA BASED ON 32 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY

Carbohydrates in Cola - 69 Carb Grams, 65 grams of sugar and 267 calories

Nutritional Information: Colas contain zero dietary fiber grams, zero cholesterol, zero fat grams, zero magnesium content, and virtually zero vitamin content.

Caffeine Content of Soda: A 12 fluid ounce cola contains 29 mg of caffeine; a 16 fluid ounce cola contains 39 mg of caffeine and a 32 ounce of cola contains 58 mg of caffeine. As a comparison 16 fluid ounces of regular coffee (grounds brewed with water) contains 190 mg of caffeine. 12 fluid ounces of brewed tea contains 4 mg of caffeine.

CARBS IN DIET COLA

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Diet Cola - .5 Grams

While diet cola and other food products containing sugar substitutes can assist in dropping unwanted weight, Diet Bites does not recommend use of sugar substitutes over a long period of time due to potential health risks. If you find that you're having more allergic reactions OR that you're experiencing digestive upset more than you have since you've been using sugar substitutes, please meet with your doctor to discuss as these issues may be related to sugar substitutes.

CARBS IN COFFEE

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, INSTANT, BREWED, DECAFFEINATED

Carbohydrates in Coffee - 1.5 Grams

Decaffeinated coffee is a healthier choice over regular coffee due to the caffeine content. Regularly brewed coffee contains about 190 mg of caffeine per 16 ounces. Coffee also contains very little nutritional values but has been shown in studies to impact blood pressure, the heart, the kidneys, the bladder, memory and may even be an influencing factor in strokes.

While a cup of coffee in the morning can help clear mental fog, an apple may accomplish much the same without the troublesome effects of caffeine. Symptoms of caffeine overload include: irritability, constipation, heartburn, nervousness, heart palpitations, increase in blood pressure levels, over-active bladder.

CARBS IN CREAM SODA

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Cream Soda - 49 Grams

Wow! That's a lot of carbs, isn't it? Soda Lovers are really put to the test when dieting. It may be difficult OR next to impossible to omit soda totally from the daily diet for Power Soda Drinkers.

What about diet soda, zero calorie soda and low calorie sodas?

Sugar substitutes may heavily impact certain individuals triggering hives and other allergies that would not have been present otherwise.

And many individuals don't like the taste of soda containing sugar substitute- even when the manufacturer states that there is virtually zero difference in taste.

Well...tell that to a tried and true soda drinker and we may have an entire other story.

So what's a Soda Lover to do? Moderation is one of the most important keys to achieving Diet Success.

When coupled with Willpower, a smart diet plan with boss low fat menus, and a moderate activity plan, it's easy to lose all that unwanted weight safely.

Rather than guzzling down a six pack (or more) or sodas per day, limit the daily diet to one or two. Take time out to enjoy and savor the flavor.

Keep in mind that 1 cup of most soda water OR soda pops contains about 150 calories. A 16 ounce fountain drink contains about 300 calories. So again - choose well and live well.

CARBS IN CRANBERRY JUICE COCKTAIL

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Cranberry Juice Cocktail - 55 Grams

Cranberries are a fair source of fiber and Vitamin C and contain bioflavoniods which may positively impact vision and work to prevent cancer. The juice of cranberries may also assist in combating cystitis and urinary tract infections.

Cranberries are generally associated with the holiday season they are delicious during all seasons of the year. And they go well with so many foods. They can be added to bread recipes, paired with salads and even cooked with meats to add flavor and nutritional value to the plate.

The downside of the cranberry is that it lacks sweetness and generally requires a marriage to sugar in order to satisfy the palate.

And of course sugar calories are pricey - and are considered empty calories as they add zero nutritional value to our body; to add to the unhealthy negatives - sugar is associated with some troubling health ills including weight gain and dental carries.

A healthy salad recipe for the humble cranberry: Shred one bag of bunny carrots (edible parts only); add a bit of Miracle Whip Light; add dried cranberries and golden raisins. Stir well.

Dried cranberries are also delicious when added to a simple salad of raw baby spinach and balsamic dressing.

CARBS IN GINGER ALE

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Ginger Ale - 32 Grams

CARBS IN GRAPEFRUIT JUICE

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Grapefruit Juice - 33 Grams

Fruit juices make healthy, delicious marinades for meats which are naturally low in carbs. Try marinating a chicken breast in grapefruit juice for a couple of hours before adding to the grill or roasting pan.

Fruit juices also make tasty sauces which can be virtually fat free. Simple add a little cornstarch mixed with water to form a thin paste, then add to boiling juice.

The sauce should quickly thicken. If too thick, add a bit more fruit juice. If too thin, add a bitmore cornstarch and water.

One of Diet Bites's favorite fruit sauces has a strawberry base. Mash 1 cup of fresh ripe strawberries.

Cook in pan until bubbly hot and add cornstarch mixture. Pairs wonderfully-well with sponge cake, chocolate cake (unfrosted) and ice cream.

To prepare a delicious banana glaze or sauce use bananas as the base. Add a bit of ground cinnamon, a dash of ground nutmeg and a bit of light or dark brown sugar after adding the thickener.

CARBS IN GRAPE JUICE

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Grape Juice - 58 Grams

A delicious low carb dessert: Add 1/2 cup of fresh sliced strawberries to two Tablespoons of heavy cream. This very simple low carb recipe suggestion contains about 3.75 carb grams and 1.7 Dietary Fiber Grams. Or use fresh sliced peaches OR blackberries instead of strawberries for about the same number of carb grams.

CARBS IN GRAPE SODA

BASED ON 12 FLUID OUNCES, NON-DIET VARIETY UNLESS NOTED

Carbohydrates in Grape Soda - 42 Grams

Sodas tend to be very high in carb grams and contain zero fiber grams. Sugar content is off the Diet Roof.

However, what's life without a little spice - and a little splurging every now and then. Moderation is the key.

If you're a Soda Lover and can't abandon your sugary sodas, try limiting them. Odds are, you'll appreciate Soda Time more while saving calories, sugar grams and carbs. And that can equal substantial weight loss over time.