I am a little hot-under-the-collar about this one. I recently read an article on Yahoo! online about the worst drinks in America written by the Editor-in-chief of Men’s Health magazine and Director for Women’s Health magazine, David Zinczenko.
I was dumbfounded to learn that my local Smoothie King has a 40 oz. 2,000 calorie drink on their menu, called The Hulk. Now what kind of sick b#$%#$% creates such a thing, and for what purpose? What application could possibly warrant a drink that allows you to consume your whole day’s caloric intake in one shot (albeit 40oz. worth of sips, but still)?
I decided to do an informal investigation, so I headed to my local Smoothie King after a recent workout and talked with the man behind the counter while he blended up my 233 calorie Island Treat smoothie.
“So which one is the 2,000 calorie one I heard about?” I inquired.
“The Hulk. Did you read the article online, or the Men’s Health article?” my friendly smoothie barista said.
“The online article, which I think was referencing the Men’s Health article. So what’s the purpose of that drink anyway? Have you ever considered donating them to soup kitchens?”
The Hulk comes in flavors like Strawberry and Chocolate. In the 40 oz. version, it contains 2,088 calories, a whopping 70g of fat (32g saturated), and a ludicrous 240g of sugar. My stomache hurts just thinking about it.
He chuckled and replied, “It’s really intended for serious body builders and people trying to gain weight for other reasons.”
Other semi-liquid diet bombs include the Baskin-Robbins Large Ice cream Soda with Vanilla Ice Cream Float (32oz., 960 calories), Cold Stone Creamery Gotta Have It PB&C Shake (2,010 calories). I doubt anyone would mistake those for healthy choices, but I digress.
“Do we really have that many serious body builders in Johnson County that it warrants having that on your menu?” I asked, trying not to sound too interrogative.
“No one ever really orders it. Every once in a while this time of year a group of guys from a local high school come in fresh from football practice and order a round of 20 oz. Hulks, but other than that, it barely ever gets ordered.” He said in defense. “You know, we also made the list for having one of the best drinks too.”
"That's encouraging," I replied.
Actually, the article offers an “Eat This, Not That”-type replacement by suggesting The Smoothie King Shredder in Strawberry. At 356 calories, it still is a meal replacement, but at least not a whole day’s consumption like the Hulk. It’s no wonder America has a weight problem with offerings like this around. I am not immune to the lure of a frosty treat after a workout, and I’m glad I chose one of the lighter versions for a snack.
I tried to find healthy alternatives listed online, and found recipes for make-it-at-home yogurt smoothies, and abundant gimmicks for quick weight loss. I also found an article related to this one on Yahoo! Health exposing Glaceau Vitamin Water as one of the worst drinks because of its sugar content. So consider yourself warned, healthy doesn't necessarily mean that your drink vendor is looking out for your waistline, and think next time you’re out looking for a snack. Because you could be blowing your nutrition plan more than you think.
Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. She founded a women's group, The Wo-Hoo! Society, in the interests of friendship, networking, and philanthropy; the group meets separately on a monthly basis in the Phoenix and Kansas City areas. Christine is interested in women's health and promoting strong women.
Resources:
“A 2,010 Calorie Shake?!?! (and Other Shocking Drinks to Avoid)” by David Zinczenko, posted on Yahoo! Health, July 28, 2009