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The cast of Love Island are probably aware that, on the surface, high-protein meals are about cutting the queue to achieve lean bodies. So surely it’s okay to have a low-carb, extra chicken dinner at Nandos with something delicious like a Coke or two? Not completely. Sugar-sweetened beverages may be the worst accompaniment to a high-protein meal, according to a new study from (take a deep breath) Research Services Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. Researchers found that adding the drink disrupts the body’s energy balance, causing it to store fat. This is because sweet drinks reduce fat oxidation, the process of breaking down fat molecules. The protein content of the meal is as high as 30%, and fat oxidation is reduced by an average of up to 12.6 grams, keeping your fat stores stable. For those who view weight management as a calorie-counting game, this finding provides a more convincing argument. It’s even more important to regulate the type of calories you drop because different foods have different effects on the body. So next time you’re craving a cheeky Nandos, remember to be polite when it comes to your drinks.