18 April 2023 , 11:00
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Have you been trying to lose weight but find that no matter how much junk food you cut out, you just can't seem to reach the goals you set for yourself?
Getting to grips with a healthy lifestyle isn't always easy, but according to health guru Dr Michael Mosley, many of us make the same mistake when it comes to calorie counting - and it could be undoing the progress we make when it comes to healthy eating and exercise.
The diet expert said many of us don't think about our daily drinks when we look at our diets, and if you like a latte or a cappuccino to start your morning, you could be adding the equivalent of five-and-a-half Mars bars to your weekly calorie intake just in coffee.
You should opt for a black coffee instead of a latte (stock photo) (Getty Images)Issuing important advice on his Fast 800 website - which offers members guidance on how to achieve a healthy weight - Dr Mosley said coffee, fruit juice, and alcohol are among the drinks that are the worst for our diets, as they can contain a huge number of calories but won't do anything to make us feel full.
He wrote in his blog: "If you find that you're eating well, exercising and taking care of your healthy lifestyle yet the weight still manages to creep on, there may be a good reason for it.
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"Coffees, alcohol and fruit juices should all be factored into your calorie intake when following a weight loss plan. Often forgotten about, your daily latte is probably adding around 1,330 calories per week to your intake, which is around five and a half Mars bars!"
When it comes to coffee, you could still enjoy a dose of caffeine if you swap high-calorie drinks such as lattes for a black coffee, or even a type of herbal tea.
The diet expert also warned people to be careful with their alcohol consumption, as we often don't think about the calories in booze - or the unhealthy diet choices we're likely to make while drunk.
He added: "Instead of a latte or a cappuccino, enjoy a black coffee with a splash of milk. Or, if you're just looking for a warm drink, try different varieties of herbal tea until you find the one that's right for you!
"Alcohol is also something to approach with caution as many often forget how high in both calories and carbohydrates it can be. The evidence is clear; alcohol does make you fat. In addition to the impact of calories from alcoholic drinks, the food choices made whilst drinking, and the following day, pose significant, and potentially life-threatening health concerns."