We all know that alcohol is considered “empty calories,” but if you want to have fun and still watch your waist line then here are a few tips to keep you thin throughout the holiday season.
Keep in mind that sweet drinks are going to be much higher in calories. Also, the higher the alcohol percentage (listed on the label, the higher the calories. Do your best to avoid any drinks that are mixed with creams, such as, Baily’s Irish Cream, Kahula, Egg Nog Mixers etc. All cream products will have a higher concentration of sugar. Not only is sugar added to the cream drinks, it is also derived from the lactose in the milk products.
If you are a beer drinker, then stick to beers that are lighter in color. The Ale’s tend to be higher in calories verses a pilsner. Think light beer when you are going to parties. They have half the amount of calories then normal beer, but still retain their alcohol content.
Wine is a good choice when attending parties. The average red and white wine contains about 120 calories per glass. However, the sweet wines contain about 170 calories per glass (5 oz.). Champagne contains the least at 70 calories per glass (in an average size champagne glass).
Trouble arises when choosing a mixed drink. Mixed drinks contain much higher calories due to the mixers that are added to the alcohol. Here are a few low calorie mixed drinks. The serving size for each drink is a standard cocktail glass (5 oz).
SCREWDRIVER- 180 Calories (20 carbs)
MARGARITA – 157 Calories (6.6 carbs) – not premixed
WHISKEY SOUR- 125 Calories (5 carbs)
Don’t forget that any hard liquior can be mixed with Diet soda or tonic to make a low calorie drink. My personal favorite is Bacardi Lemon rum and diet coke which equals 68 total calories.
Here are the calories of each main hard alcohol. Each serving is 1 oz or the equivalent to 1 shot.
VODKA- 65 calories
Tequila- 65 calories
BRANDY- 64 calories
WHISKEY- 64 calories
SCOTCH- 64 calories
Each of these hard alcohols can be mixed with a fruit juice. However, fruit juices add more calories and carbs.
Orange Juice – 84 calories (19 carbs)- for 6 oz
Cranberry Juice – 103 calories (26 carbs0 – 6.3 oz
AVOID ALL MALTED BEVERAGES!!!! This includes Smirenoff malted drinks and Mike’s Hard Lemon-aide. Wine coolers also contain higher calories.
Don’t ruin your new years resolution before you start it! Drink smart not more. Don’t forget to pace yourself! Drink water between drinks so you don’t get dehydrated and over consume calories.
Adria Ali
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