Are Alcohol Calories Sneaking Up On You?

Alcohol Calories

When it comes to weight loss, alcohol carries a double whammy.

Firstly, there are the calories. Sometimes we don't think of alcohol as having calories, but boy are we wrong! (And do you know why we don't think of alcohol as having calories? Because the alcohol companies have fought so hard to keep from having to put calorie information on their labels!)

Secondly, there's the fact that alcohol consumption lowers our inhibitions. How many well-intentioned dieters have been sabotaged by alcohol? Not only does that drink you're consuming have calories, but it's also making you less conscientious about your diet.

"You know what? I'm feeling so good, I think I'll try both desserts!"

How about a third whammy?

If you're drinking hard liquor, chances are you're using a mixer. Chances are that that mixer is sweetened. Mixers are often added at a 3, 4, or even 5 to 1 ratio to the alcohol. Sugar calories on top of alcohol calories.

A 5 oz. Pina Colada has about 245 calories, less than half of which come from the alcohol. How many Pinas are you going to have? And how often does your host or bartender actually serve a 5 oz. drink? What people used to call "a double" is starting to look like the standard drink size these days!

So, do you know how many calories are in a 1.5 ounce shot of 80 proof alcohol? About 100. And here's another fact...

Most people know that protein and carbohydrates pack 4 calories per gram, while fat packs 9. Did you know alcohol contains a different amount altogether? It's neither fat, protein nor carb, so of course it does! The magic number...

7 calories/gram of alcohol.

Some people are convinced that wine is a lower calorie alcohol option, but it isn't necessarily the case. Still, keep in mind that wine can be a better option because of some possible heart health benefits.

Alcohol may not be a "food," but add it to a meal and the calorie levels start soaring. Go to a party and you're pretty much expected to have a drink in your hand at all times. Drinks in your hand tend to find their way into your tummy!

(Learn more about the science of alcohol calories.)

If you don't need the alcohol - or the calories - think about ordering up a Club Soda for your drink in hand. It's yummy, and it has no calories (unlike Tonic Water). It's cheaper too!

Learn more about beer calories.

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