While there's no such thing as a miracle weight-loss drink, certain types of drinks can help to promote weight loss as part of a healthy diet and exercise program. By eating right and consuming healthier drinks, you can lose 55 lbs. by shooting for 1 to 2 lbs. of weight loss per week. This is maximum amount of weekly weight loss recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Calories
Losing 55 lbs. at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs. per week requires that you eliminate 500 to 1,000 calories per day from your ideal daily caloric intake. Determine your basal metabolic rate (BMR) using a free online BMR calculator; this figure will tell you how many calories you should be eating in order to maintain your current weight. Then subtract 500 or 1,000 from that number to determine your calorie goal for weight loss. Many of the calories you cut from your diet can come from cutting back on certain high-calorie drinks like soda. Other drinks can help to support your weight-loss journey in other ways.
Whey Protein Shakes
Whey protein shakes can help you lose weight in several ways when consumed in moderation. Protein has the effect of making you feel full, so it can help you eat fewer calories. It also helps promote muscle growth, and people with more muscle burn calories more efficiently compared to people with higher concentrations of fatty tissue. The McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois says whey protein shakes promote fat loss and weight management and also improve body composition. Consume 20 to 25 g of whey protein per day for optimal results.
Water
Water is not only a zero-calorie drink that is essential for life, but it also can help curb hunger and cravings. That's according to ScienceDaily, which says those who drank 2 cups of water just prior to eating a meal consumed 75 to 90 fewer calories on average. The 12-week study, which was presented at the American Chemical Society in 2010, also pointed out participants who drank the two glasses of water before a meal lost about 5 lbs. more than dieters who did not drink the pre-meal water.
Zero Calorie Drinks
Skipping regular soda and instead opting for diet soda or other zero-calorie alternatives can help save you a ton of unnecessary calories. A 20-oz. regular soda can contain 250 or more calories, which can add up over the course of a day if you're drinking two or three of them. Switching to a zero-calorie alternative can help satisfy your craving for a sweet drink without the calories. You can also avoid blood sugar spikes and lose even more weight by eliminating sugary sodas.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Balancing Calories
- BMI-Calculator.net: BMR Calculator
- University of Illinois McKinley Health Center: Creatine and Whey Protein Supplements
- ScienceDaily; Drink Water to Curb Weight Gain? Clinical Trial Confirms Effectiveness of Simple Appetite Control Method; Aug. 2010
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