This is probably one of the most common ‘lies’ personal trainers hear from their clients, and it’s the one most likely to prevent any major changes from happening in your body.
“Many clients don't realize that total caloric intake has an impact on results,” says Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Forgetting that you had just a ‘small slice’ of birthday cake at the office, or mindlessly munching that sleeve of cookies in front of the TV last night easily cancels out any calories burned at the gym (and then some).
Maybe you really don’t eat that much, but what about drinks? Liquids are a sneaky source of excess sugar and calories, McCall says. “A grande skinny latte has 110 calories; having even one a day can add 550 calories per week.” That may not sound like a lot, but it translates to a little more than eight pounds per year!
And don’t forget about happy hour: A single glass of red wine has about 125 calories, and a bottle of beer can be upwards of 200, McCall says. We're not suggesting you decline all happy hour invites, just be sure to consider those liquid calories in your daily total—and ask the bartender to mix up one of these tasty, healthy cocktails.
