HPMP Guide - Stop Drinking Your Calories

Michael Descoteau
Oct 15, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Oct 28, 2025

One of My Top 3 Weight Loss Tips That Will Save You Calories and Cash

Let’s talk about one of the biggest game changers in weight loss and it’s simpler than you might think:

Stop drinking your calories.

This isn’t about cutting all enjoyment out of your life. It’s about becoming aware of hidden calories and making smarter swaps that actually taste good.

Because here’s the truth: you can track every meal and hit every workout, but if you’re loading up on liquid calories, you’re holding yourself back.

The Hidden Problem: Liquid Calories Add Up Fast

Sodas. Juices. Coffee shop drinks. Even so-called “healthy” smoothies.

They sneak in hundreds of calories each day and the worst part? They don’t make you feel full. Your body doesn’t register liquid calories like it does solid food.

You’re sipping, not satisfying. That’s where the problem starts.

Smarter Swaps That Actually Taste Good

Think switching to low-cal drinks means nothing but plain water? Think again. There are plenty of options that keep things flavorful without the sugar crash.

1. Zero Sugar Sodas

They taste shockingly close to the original. Same fizz, same flavor but minus the empty calories.

2. Water Flavor Drops

My go-to: Kool-Aid Cherry. Add a few drops to a bottle of water, shake it up, and suddenly, hydration is something you want to do.

3. Zero Sugar Electrolyte Drinks

Gatorade Zero and Powerade Zero are great for post-workout recovery with no sugar, just function.

4. Clean Coffee

Forget cream and sugar. Try this instead:

Coach’s Coffee Hack

In 16 ounces of hot coffee, mix:

1 packet of Splenda
2-3 ounces of unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop of protein powder

Whisk it thoroughly. No clumps, no hassle. Just smooth, slightly sweet, protein-packed coffee that fuels your morning with a little over 20 grams of protein before breakfast.

The Hidden Bonus: You’ll Save Serious Money

Here’s what most people don’t realize:

That $3 to $6 you spend on a drink each day? It adds up. Fast.

That’s over $100 a month on drinks alone. And most of them are slowing down your progress.

Switching to water and smarter swaps doesn’t just save calories but it puts money back in your pocket.

My Rule:

Water all day = your base
Zero sugar drinks = your reward

This way, you’re still getting flavor without the calorie (and cash) drain.

Why This Works So Well

Your brain processes food differently than drinks. Calories in solid form trigger satiety and drinks don’t.

So when you cut out those liquid calories, you’re reducing your intake without increasing your hunger.

This is what sustainable fat loss looks like: effortless consistency. You don’t feel restricted, you just feel better.

Time, Money, and Momentum

This habit saves more than just calories.

It gives you time back with no more coffee shop stops or vending machine runs. It frees up mental energy with fewer decisions, fewer temptations. It builds momentum with small wins that stack into real change.

You stop reacting. You start leading. And that shift ripples into every other area of your life.