The expert warned your favourite winter warmers could be packing on the pounds(Image: GETTY)

‘I’m a doctor - this festive drink is sabotaging your weight loss efforts’

A doctor has revealed the worst seasonal hot drinks for your waistline and how you can still enjoy your favourite winter warmers without guilt

by · The Mirror

An expert has highlighted how you can avoid putting your waistline at risk and still enjoy your favourite winter warmers. Anyone trying to lose weight is likely steeling themselves to face a world of temptation as the sweets and treats of the festive season begin to descend.

However, it’s not just the cookies and cakes you need to be wary of but your coffees too. One doctor, Professor Franklin Joseph of Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, highlighted the worst festive drinks that are "calorie bombs". He explained: "Festive drinks can have calorie counts similar to a full meal, with sugar levels far above what most people expect in a single drink."

The doctor highlighted which coffees and festive treats are the worst for your waistline( Image: GETTY)

He highlighted that a single cup of many top winter warmers exceed the NHS daily sugar recommendations. But noted that it’s not all lost as the professor explained how you can still enjoy your favourite festive drinks without feeling too guilty, sharing alternatives for some of the worst calorie-laden drinks.

  • Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte

A venti-sized latte with whole milk and cream offers almost double the amount of sugar the NHS recommends per day, and 540 calories, nearly equivalent to a Big Mac.

  • Costa Coffee Billionaire’s Latte

Holding 518 calories and 55 grams of sugar, this coffee is nearly equivalent to three Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnuts.

  • Pret A Manger Gingerbread Latte

The large latte has 435 calories, equal to 2 slices of Domino’s Cheese Pizza but also adds a sugary punch with 44 grams.

  • Caffè Nero's Salted Caramel Latte

These regular-sized lattes pack a whopping 380 calories and 39 grams of sugar, equivalent to munching on two Mars bars.

Prof Joseph warns that these sugar-laden drinks can exacerbate cravings, jeopardising your entire weight loss journey, while also causing your blood sugar to skyrocket. Instead, he suggests some low-calorie alternatives that still retain a festive flair.

Adding a shot of peppermint to standard black Americanos can provide that holiday caffeine boost for less than 10 calories and leaves you entirely in charge of your sugar intake. Similarly, a gingerbread cold brew with cold foam can deliver the holiday feels for 60 calories or less simply by skipping the syrups and opting for cold foam for creaminess instead of whipped cream.

Trying to lose weight during the holidays can already be a difficult journey( Image: GETTY)

Lastly, an almond milk latte with sugar-free syrups can replicate the same cinnamon latte experience for 100 calories or less. Prof Joseph also advises opting for non-dairy milk and steering clear of sweeteners to keep the unnecessary calories at bay.