You had meetings all morning, a full schedule in the afternoon and 15 minutes for a quick lunch break. Should you drink a smoothie or glass of milk to tide you over, or grab a sandwich? Brazilian researchers found that solid meals hold off hunger better than liquid meals. Also, people ate 12 percent to 20 percent more calories during the rest of the day when they consumed liquid meals. They compared hunger sensations in response to liquid and solid meals containing equal calories that were high in carbohydrates (watermelon vs. watermelon juice), protein (cheese vs. milk) or fat (coconut meat vs. coconut milk). In every case, people took in more calories during the day after consuming the liquid meal. The results supported studies showing that consumption of high-sugar drinks promotes obesity. The drinks are high in calories, but don't suppress hunger. Solid meals prevent hunger and overeating better than liquid meals.

taken from FITNESS Rx FOR MEN Magazine, November 2007