Guide: How many calories your favorite spirits contain and how it affects weight loss
Alcohol and weight loss are two words that rarely go together. Many people do not realize how much influence their favorite beverages have on their weight and weight loss process. The calories contained in alcohol can be surprisingly high, and their consumption - even in moderate amounts - can significantly affect the effectiveness of a diet. In this guide, we'll take a look at how many calories popular types of alcohol contain and how this affects weight loss.
Calorific value of popular spirits
Let's start with the basics - calories. They determine whether we lose weight or gain weight. Alcohol, as a food product, also contains calories that must be included in the energy balance, especially when dieting. Calories in alcohol come mainly from ethyl alcohol, which provides about 7 calories per gram. In addition, sweet alcohols may contain sugars, which also increase their caloric value.
Beer - a favorite beverage of many
Beer, which is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages, can contain between 90 and 200 calories per 330 ml, depending on the type and brand. Light lager beers usually have fewer calories than dark or kraft beers. It is worth remembering that non-alcoholic beer also contains calories, although there are far fewer.
Wine - elegance and calories
Wine, both white and red, is another popular choice. A glass of wine (150 ml) can provide between 120 and 130 calories. Sweet dessert wines are much higher in calories, adding value to the sugars. For many people, wine is an integral part of romantic dinners or social gatherings, but it is worth being mindful of its caloric content.
Strong spirits - when little is more
Strong spirits such as vodka, whiskey, gin and rum, although consumed in smaller quantities, are calorically very abundant. A standard serving (40 ml) provides about 100 calories, and that's without additives. Mixing them with juices or sodas significantly increases the number of calories in a drink.
How does alcohol affect weight loss?
Alcohol can affect weight loss in a number of ways. First, the calories contained in alcohol are 'empty' calories - They provide no nutritional value to the body. Second, alcohol consumption can increase appetite and lead to unhealthy food choices. Third, alcohol affects metabolism, slowing down the fat-burning process. Finally, regular alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain and make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Tips on how to drink sensibly
This does not mean that you have to give up alcohol completely to lose weight. The key is moderation and a conscious approach. Here are some tips on how to enjoy alcohol without sabotaging your weight loss efforts:
- Choose spirits with lower calories, such as light beers, dry wines, or strong spirits without sweet additives.
- Avoid mixing alcohol with high-calorie drinks. Choose carbonated or light water as a mixer.
- Drink slowly and taste - this will help reduce the amount of alcohol consumed.
- Don't drink on an empty stomach - alcohol consumed on an empty stomach raises blood sugar levels faster, which can lead to more hunger.
- Always keep in mind your daily caloric requirement and try not to exceed it, taking into account the calories from alcohol.
Summary
Alcohol can be part of a balanced diet, but it is important to be mindful of its caloric content and impact on weight loss. A conscious approach to alcohol consumption, moderation and choosing lower-calorie drinks can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing the pleasure of enjoying your favorite beverages. Remember that balance and moderation are the keys to success.
