Zoe health experts delve into 'mindful drinking' trend to shift your health in 2025

Your drinking habits might be the make-or-break factor for your weight loss journey this year. "Mindful drinking" isn't some odd meditation reflection over your morning brew, but rather a growing trend that could be the secret to achieving sustainable weight loss.

Kicking off 2025 on the , Professor Sarah Berry shed light on the hidden calories in beverages and their significant role in the success or failure of diets. She pointed out: "It's fascinating because people, I don't think, realize how much drinks contribute towards our calorie intake."

While it's common knowledge that alcoholic beverages can be calorie bombs, Professor Berry clarified that this "absolutely not" just about sugar-laden cocktails or hefty pints. Zoe co-founder and podcast host Jonathan Wolf chimed in with a startling fact: the average Starbucks Latte packs a whopping 500 calories.

Following guidelines, that means the typical man could meet his daily calorie limit with just five lattes, while the average woman could reach hers with only four. Your favourite fancy coffees are loaded with hidden sugars, mainly from syrups and flavourings, not to mention the extra fats from creams and milks.

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According to Professor Sarah, the best choice for health-conscious coffee drinkers is a simple Americano without all the extras. Alternatively, she suggests opting for green or black teas, which also offer mental health benefits.

A standard 12-ounce can of fizzy drink can contain between 90 and 150 calories, while diet versions usually have none, and even fruit juices can pack up to 120 calories per glass. The professor highlighted that these hidden calories could be the key to achieving your weight loss goals by 2025 through mindful drinking.

She urged people to be more "mindful of all of the drinks that we consume", citing an American study that found beverages account for 18% of our calorie intake and 54% of the added sugar in our diets. Cutting this out could be the deciding factor in whether a dieter loses weight or not.