Drinking Soda Makes You Fat...and (probably) other things

A new report published today in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition urges Americans "to drink water and limit both sugar-sweetened and naturally sweetened drinks. Unsweetened tea and coffee are seen as acceptable substitutes for water." Another startling statistic: "One of every five calories in the average American's diet is liquid...the portion of daily calories coming from sugar-sweetened drinks has roughly doubled over two decades, contributing to the nation's obesity problem."

Diane Korman, a client of mine who has completely transformed her body since beginning to work with me, has all but given up soft drinks and sugary colas. Her prediction, which isn't far from my own, is that the chemicals in soft drinks and artifically sweetened sodas will probably (if they haven't already) be linked to diseases such as cancer.

I know for myself, as a fat teenager at age 14, I gave up drinking all soda (or in Utah, we call it "pop.") After a year or so, I had dropped about 20 pounds and couldn't even stomach a Coca-Cola. My conclusion? There is definitely a link between how much soda and juice we drink and our waistline.

What's The Best Low-Carb Beer?

After a long day of work, sometimes I like to drink a beer. Is there one you can recommend that won't derail my fitness progress?" --Bronson, Los Angeles

Bronson, most "regular" 12 oz. beers have about 150 calories and 11 grams of carbs, so you'll want to stick with a "low-carb" beer. These beers vary, but usually contain 95-110 calories and (usually) 2-6 grams of carbs per serving. My personal favorite (based on taste) is Amstel Light with only 5 carbs and 95 calories, but a great second alternative is Michelob Ultra with only 2.6 carbs and 95 calories.

Remember, when you cut carbs, you're also cutting calories, which is why "low-carb" beers are better for your waistline. But any type of alcohol stimulates cortisol, which can make you gain weight. So don't count on low-carb beers as part of your nutrition strategy. My recommendation is that you eliminate alcohol completely if you're trying to lose weight. --Sam

My First Post

This is my first blog post. I'm Sam Francis, a 31-year-old personal fitness trainer living in Los Angeles, Calif. I'm currently in negotiations with OUTQ on SIRIUS radio to work with John McMullen on the "John McMullen Show." Stay tuned for more on that in the months and weeks to come.