The unhealthiest food options tend to be the ones with hidden sugars, such as apples, oranges and grapefruit juice.
Some people may be surprised to hear that such drinks contain more than an adult’s total daily recommended intake of sugar.
In recent years, science has raised concerns about the risks of drinking fruit juice because of its sharp effect on blood sugar.
Fruit juice and smoothies contain a wealth of essential nutrients and vitamins such as potassium, folate and vitamin C, which are needed for healthy muscle function, healthy immune system and to reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Sugar-packed beverages are notoriously bad for the liver
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A 150ml serving of fruit juice counts as one of your Five A Day, a target which is currently widely missed by adults and children alike.
Oftentimes, the beverage is consumed with the false belief that it offers a nutritional boost from fruits, but the benefits are not the same.
During the juicing process, certain phytochemicals and dietary fibers are lost which triggers a more drastic response from the body.
“Straight-up fruit juices like apple, orange and grapefruit can be sugar bombs, despite their healthy image,” explained Naheed Naheed Ali, nutritionist and senior writer for Sweat Block.
“Without the fibre to slow absorption, all that fructose floods your liver as quickly as soda - spiking blood sugar and getting converted straight into fat.”
To ward off metabolic disturbances, people are best advised to forego fruit juices altogether and eat whole fruits instead.
Several studies point to fructose as a potential culprit behind the current epidemic of diabetes and obesity, but other beverages may be just as bad.
Another liquid culprit known to slow down weight loss is iced coffee.
“You’d likely be shocked to learn that a Grande Caramel Frappuccino actually packs more sugar than a 12-ounce can of Coke!” Explained Naheed.
“At around 75 grams, this frosty milkshake coffee hybrid contains the equivalent of 19 teaspoons of sugar.”
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Next on the list are alcoholic beverages, which spur all kinds of trouble.
Naheed explained: “Alcoholic drinks feature their own metabolic double whammy: beer, flavoured liquors, and sweet cocktail mixes provide nearly empty calories, storage-boosting carbs, and blood sugar-disrupting alcohol all in one belt-straining gulp.
“When it comes to weight loss, think H20, unsweetened tea and coffee, and broth-based soups. Hydrating choices avoid destabilizing blood sugar and insulin, reducing subsequent hunger cravings.
“Satisfy sweet tooths sparingly with fresh whole foods. And for cocktails, go clean with vodka sofa using real lime.”