These days the days are getting chilly and nights are getting downright frigid. Coffee shops are advertising holiday drinks topped with caramel, chocolate and whipped cream. When you’re looking for a way to warm up, and maybe an additional pick me up, it’s hard to resist these enticing treats. But don’t let the advertisements and the cravings get the best of you- these drinks are loaded with sugar and calories. Starbucks helpfully provides calories counts on all of their products, but most coffee shops are not so forthcoming. Keep in mind too that adding extras to your beverages, including cream, sugar, caramel and chocolate, really make the calories add up, without adding any extra nutrition. These drinks can be dehydrating too. When we’re thirsty, what the body is really craving is water, but we too often go for high calorie drinks that don’t truly quench our thirst. While caffeine and sugary hot drinks dehydrate the body, a cup of herbal tea provides the same benefits as water, and without the added calories of fancy coffee drinks. Warm yourself up with a cup of peppermint, chamomile, or rooibos tea, or go to your local tea shop to discover new favorites.

If you are unsure as to if the drinks you love are working against you, Come in to our Oregon weight loss center in Portland or Beaverton and ask us!