Water During Meals

Most people drink a beverage with their meals. Melissa Daniels and Barry Popkin from the University of North Carolina reported that drinking water with a meal reduces overall caloric consumption. Consuming sugar-sweetened drinks increases energy intake by 7.8 percent and by as much as 19 percent in some people. Contrary to reports, diet drinks had no impact on energy intake. Milk and juice increased caloric intake by 15 percent. Drinking water with a meal helps people eat less, and may have a significant impact in a weight control program. (Nutrition Reviews, 68: 505-521, 2010)