Calories in alcohol: How to choose so you don't ruin your diet
Alcohol accompanies many social occasions, from holidays to casual gatherings with friends. However, for line-conscious people, the calories contained in alcohol can be a source of concern. How do you choose alcohol to enjoy your social life without sabotaging your own dietary efforts? In this article, we'll take a look at which alcoholic beverages are the 'lightest' calorically and how they affect our diets.
Understanding the calories in alcohol
Calories in alcohol mainly come from two sources: the alcohol itself and additional ingredients, such as sugar in mixed drinks or sweeteners. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, making it a fairly caloric ingredient. By comparison, proteins and carbohydrates provide only 4 calories per gram, and fats provide 9 calories. This means that even small amounts of alcohol can significantly increase the total number of calories consumed.
How do you choose alcohol to fit into your diet?
When choosing alcohol, it is worth paying attention not only to the caloric content, but also to the type of drink. Some drinks may have fewer calories, but be high in sugars, which is also not desirable in a diet. Here are some tips on how to choose wisely:
- Choose straight spirits, such as red or white wine, which contain fewer calories than cocktails mixed with juices or sodas.
- If you prefer beer, choose 'light' or 'low-calorie' versions. These are often much lower in calories than standard beers.
- Avoid sweetened spirits and liquors, which are high in sugars and calories.
- If you can't do without smoothies, prepare them yourself, using natural ingredients and minimal sugar.
Best and worst alcohol choices for diet
To help you make informed decisions, we've compiled a list of alcoholic beverages that are the best and worst for your diet:
Top picks
- Red wine (about 125 calories per glass)
- White wine (about 121 calories per glass)
- Champagne (about 89 calories per glass)
- Light beer (about 103 calories per bottle)
Worst choices
- Shakes with cream or ice cream (more than 500 calories per serving)
- Sweetened liquors (more than 250 calories per serving)
- Full beers (about 150 calories per bottle)
- Cocktails mixed with juices and sodas (more than 200 calories per serving)
Effect of alcohol on weight loss process
It is worth remembering that alcohol can affect weight loss not only through the calories it contains. Alcohol reduces our ability to burn fat, as the body focuses on metabolizing alcohol instead of fats. In addition, alcohol consumption often leads to increased appetite and decreased self-control, which can result in over-eating. For this reason, even if you choose 'light' alcohol options, excessive consumption can still negatively affect your weight loss efforts.
Summary
Choosing the right alcohol can be a key part of maintaining a diet without sacrificing the social aspect of life. By being mindful of calories and choosing wisely, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without worrying about ruining your diet. The key is moderation and being aware of the choices we make. And let's not forget about the effects of alcohol on our overall health and the possible consequences of excessive consumption.
