Are you counting your calories in alcohol? Like hard candy, alcohol is an incredibly condensed form of calories.
But, just because you’re watching your weight doesn’t mean that once in a while (if not a bit more frequently than that) you might want to imbibe when out with your guy or girlfriends. And while a margarita, pina colada, full-bodied beer, or dessert wine may seem appealing, ask yourself this: is “just one” measly drink really worth your entire workout? Yes, the frustrating but true fact is that you could be downing more calories in one drink than in your entire meal. But, if you choose wisely, you won’t.
What does alcohol have to do with fat?
Empty calories. Why empty? Because they offer no nutritious benefits. That’s an empty calorie- like candy. Those calories fast track into your bloodstream and, since they can be more than you are able to burn off, you start to pack those calories on as pounds. Other issues with alcohol when it comes to fat? Willpower. Or a lack thereof. When you’re drunk, or even just tipsy, you might find it easier to forget about your healthy diet as you convince yourself that you really do “need” that entire pizza, bag of chips dipped in nacho cheese, and carton of ice cream. And then you wake up full the next am as the reality of what you did the night before takes over
Thankfully, cocktails don’t have to be such diet destroyers. There are bad and better options. Here’s the breakdown of the average alcoholic beverages:
Daiquiri (8oz): 449 Calories
Pina Colada(12oz): 586 Calories + 57 Carbs, 5g Fat
Mai Tai(9oz): 620 Calories
Mud Slide(6oz): 556 Calories
Mojito (12oz): 235 Calories (substitute the sugar for Splenda and it’s only 140 Calories)
Apple Martini (3oz): 148 Calories
Cosmopolitan (5oz): 200 Calories
Margarita (10oz): 550 Calories
Long Island Iced Tea (10oz): 543 Calories
Vodka Red Bull (9oz): 177 Calories
Whisky Sour (4oz): 193 Calories
Sweet Dessert Wine (4oz): 189 Calories
Cabernet (4oz): 97 Calories (not bad, but consider the small size of a 4oz pour)
Pinot Grigio (4oz): 96 Calories (not bad, but consider the small size of a 4oz pour)
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: 200 Calories
Here are a few “skinnier” mixed drink options, all of which are less than 100 calories:
Citrus Fizz
Orange Flavored Vodka
Crystal Light Lemonade
Topped with champagne
Mexican Summer
Silver tequila
Watermelon juice
Skinny Margarita
Tequila
Lots of fresh squeezed lime juice
1 packet Stevia
Ginger Goodness
Sake or Tequila
Diet Ginger Ale
Greyhound (my personal fave and go-to)
Vodka
Grapefruit juice
Vodka Soda
Vodka
Soda Water (NOT Tonic Water which has about 90 calories per serving)
Read More Calories in alcohol Articles:
- Sleeping Beauty -The Power of Sleep and How to Master It.
- Top Foods That Fight Toxins and Free Them Radicals
- 6 Expert Tips to Create The Sacred Space That Calls You In. - April 21, 2018
- 7 Ways to Shift Your Low Libido Into High Gear - December 29, 2017
- Wine Wellness & Feeling Whimsical at a Napa Valley Getaway. - November 5, 2017