6 Offensively Enormous Beverages

Calories from sugary drinks may be particularly harmful to your health. New York City Mayor Bloomberg's proposed ban on large sweet drinks is hardly without controversy. But there's no debating some beverages have way, way, way more calories, sugar, and sometimes fat than we need. Women who drink two or more of them a day were more likely to develop abnormal levels of fasting glucose-a sign of diabetes, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions last year. Bloomberg's ban would apply to sweetened drinks larger than 16 ounces, but we found many popular chains selling shockingly bigger options. Take a look:

The damage: 780 calories, 217 grams of sugar, 0 grams fat
This is a whole gallon of fluid, not even close to an individual portion. As a comparison, the American Heart Association recommends adults consume about 6 to 9 teaspoons (the equivalent of just 30 to 45 grams) of added sugar a day.
Instead, you could eat: It's the caloric equivalent of a KFC Honey BBQ sandwich, a house side salad with ranch dressing, macaroni and cheese, and half an apple turnover.
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The damage: 512 calories, 128 grams of sugar, 0 grams fat
We couldn't help but notice that 7-Eleven describes this as "genetically engineered to quench even the most diabolical thirst."
Instead, you could eat: It's the same amount of calories in a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips, a bag of M&Ms, and 24 almonds.
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The damage: 470 calories, 147 grams of sugar, 0 grams fat.
Instead, you could eat: It's the calorie equivalent of three whole White Castle sliders!
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The damage: 912 calories, 150 grams of sugar, 10 grams fat. Note the slogan on the side of the cup: "Chewing is over-rated." Well, with such seemingly healthy ingredients as acai and blueberries, this drink's main downfall is sheer size. Even the chain's smallest offering (20 ounces) provides a whopping 456 calories and 75 grams of sugar.
Instead, you could eat: It's the calorie equivalent of a small Acai Adventure, a bowl of Cheerios with skim milk, a California sushi roll, 8 animal crackers, and a serving of baby carrots with hummus.
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The damage: 500 calories, 135 grams of sugar, 0 grams fat.
Instead, you could eat: At Taco Bell, it's the calorie equivalent of a chicken soft taco and order of cheesy nachos!
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The damage: 280 calories, 69 grams of sugar, 0 grams fat. Iced tea is a healthy choice, but the sweetened version packs a lot of sugar, especially in a huge size.
Instead, you could eat: For the same amount of calories at McDonald's, you could order a whole Caesar salad, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, and any size regular iced tea.
Plus: 3 more offensively enormous beverages! >>