Are liquid calories hurting your progress?

If you’re training consistently, but not seeing the fat loss or energy improvements you expected…liquid calories might be the hidden culprit.

What Are Liquid Calories?

Calories from drinks like:

  1. Fancy coffee drinks (even “healthy” ones)

  2. Smoothies and juices

  3. Soda or sweet teas

  4. Alcohol (beer, wine, cocktails)

  5. Protein shakes with add-ins

These can add up fast without triggering the same fullness as whole foods.

Why They Can Be a Problem:

  1. Easier to overconsume – You can drink 400+ calories in a few gulps.

  2. Less satiating – Liquids don’t signal fullness like fiber and protein-rich foods do.

  3. Hidden sugars & fats – Many store-bought drinks are packed with sneaky extras.

  4. They mess with hunger signals – Making it harder to track what your body really needs.

What To Do Instead:

✅ Prioritize hydration – Water, herbal teas, sparkling water, zero cal drinks.

✅ Make your smoothies count – Add fiber (chia/flax), protein, greens, and no added sugars.

✅ Limit or eliminate sugary drinks – Even natural ones like juice should be avoided.

✅ Watch your coffee – Skip the syrup, sugar, and heavy cream.

✅ Limit or eliminate alcohol – And see how your body changes rather quickly.

Bottom Line:

Liquid calories aren’t “bad” — but they’re often untracked and underestimated, which can stall your fat loss or body composition goals.

Awareness = power!

Choose drinks that support your goals, not sabotage them.


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