Liquid calories can add up quickly, especially if you forget to count them as part of your daily caloric intake. For example, a single margarita has 550 calories, which is 10 more than a McDonald's Big Mac, according to Cal Wineries. Even drinks that you might consider healthy, such as smoothies, can contain a large number of calories and end up causing weight gain and belly fat.
Sports Drinks
Sports and energy drinks were created for athletes who need a quick boost of energy to keep up with activities, such as running or skiing. For the average person, however, these drinks contain too much sugar and starch and can lead to weight gain.
Sodas
A single can of Coca-Cola has 39.9 g of sugar, according to the Quality Health website. This is the equivalent of almost 10 tsp. of sugar. At 143 calories per can, if you drink a can a day, you would be consuming 52,195 calories in a year. Since a pound equals 3,500 calories, that's the equivalent to a weight gain of 14.9 lb. of fat a year.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a source of empty calories. It contains no vitamins and no useful nutrients, so all the calories you're drinking end up turning into fat deposits. Mixed drinks tend to be even higher in sugars and calories than most other alcoholic drinks. According to Cal Wineries, a 4.5-oz. shot of White Russian contains 320 calories, while a 10-oz. glass of Rum and Coke contains 356 calories. Cocktails are even worse, with 620 calories for a Mai Tai and 543 calories for a Long Island Ice Tea.
Coffee Drinks
If you're getting your energy from coffee, limit yourself to a cup of black coffee or one with a little skim milk. Coffee drinks, such as Starbucks' mixes, can contain a high amount of calories, fat and sugars. Sure, they will wake you up, but your belly will pay for it.
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