Charlyn Fargo, Contributor

A new study finds that Americans are consumed with sugary beverages which play a significant role in supplying the excess calories that can cause weight gain.

According to 'What America Drinks', on average, beverages supply nearly a quarter (22 per cent) of calories to the diet, with sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, fruit-flavoured drinks and pre-sweetened teas, as the largest contributors. The American Dietetic Association, School Nutrition Association, Milk Processors Education Programme and the American Academy of Pediatrics released the study this month.

The findings suggest that successful weight loss may be determined by what people choose to drink. The report analysed data from more than 10,000 Americans, ages four and older, who participated in the government's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and provided reasonable dietary reports of food and beverage intakes.

The study also found that on average, teen boys consume 34 ounces of sugary drinks a day totalling 402 calories; teen girls drink 22 ounces, totalling 272 calories a day. For the complete study, go to www.thinkaboutyourdrink.com.

Winning books

Registered dietitian Susan Kleiner and Bob Condor teamed up to write The Good Mood Diet: Feel Great While You Lose Weight.

Rather than deprive people of food, Kleiner believes in offering foods that lift your mood and give you more energy while you lose weight. Her approach is about the food you need to eat rather than foods to avoid. Her list of foods includes eggs, turkey sandwiches, cereal, burritos, fish, milk coffee and hot cocoa. Kleiner also is the author of Power Eating.

Winning question

Q: Are trans fats really bad for you?

A: New research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that consumption of trans fats can translate to faster weight gain than with other fats. The American Heart Association recommends limiting trans fats to less than one per cent of daily calories. To do so, read food labels. Trans fats now are listed on all packaged foods.

Winning recipe

This recipe for Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar comes from Steven Raichlen's High-Flavor, Low-Fat Italian Cooking. It is a perfect after-work, quick dinner.

CHICKEN WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste

2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose white flour

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup balsamic vinegar

1 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons finely-chopped flat-leaf parsley

Yields 4 servings.

Cut each chicken breast (if whole) into halves and trim off fat. Season to taste with salt and pepper and lightly dust with flour, shaking off excess. Heat oil in non-stick frying pan. Lightly brown breasts on both sides over high heat, about two minutes per side.

Add vinegar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the vinegar is reduced by two-thirds. Add chicken broth and continue simmering, uncovered, until chicken is tender, about 10 minutes.

Transfer to platter. Boil sauce until reduced, thick and flavourful, about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over chicken and sprinkle with parsley.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 391 calories, 54g protein, 17g carbohydrate, 10g fat, 144mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium.

Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.