There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional drink. However, did you know, some types of alcohol contain far more calories than others?
Alcohol contains seven calories per gram, which is almost the same amount of calories as there is in a gram of fat. What’s more, the body likes to get rid of alcohol calories first – meaning it will burn these off before burning body fat. All in all, this means that your alcohol consumption could affect your weight and body composition, alongside the health risks already associated with booze.
Here at POWERPLAY, we like to preach balance. While we don’t encourage excessive drinking, due to the aforementioned health risks, we do believe that everything can be enjoyed in moderation. If you like to treat yourself to the odd beverage here and there, but you’re looking to keep your alcohol consumption as healthy and mindful as possible, we’ve rounded up some top tips, alongside a helpful chart which shows exactly how many calories there are in the different types of alcohol…
Here are 5 ways to create healthier drinking habits:
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or diet drinks. This will help limit the calories and ensure you stay hydrated and avoid a sore head in the morning.
When you’re out, always opt for the smallest measure. A small glass of wine (125ml) contains around 93 calories, whereas a large one, often 250ml (a third of a bottle!) is 185 calories.
When pouring your own drinks, make long drinks by mixing alcohol with low-calorie soft drinks. For example, a white wine spritzer with lots of ice.
Always choose low-calorie or diet mixers – a can of regular cola contains 138 more calories than a can of Diet Coke.
If you’re a beer drinker, choose bottles over pints, you’ll consume fewer calories.
What alcohol has the least calories?
In general, spirits contain the least amount of calories. This is especially true when you drink them on their own or with a low-calorie mixer – sugary cocktails are a whole other story. These refreshing drinks are sure to hit the spot, without containing large amounts of fat, sugar or calories. Some of these include:
Vodka and Diet Coke (single measure) – 54 kcal
Bacardi and Diet Coke (single measure) – 56 kcal
Gin and Slimline Tonic (single measure) – 59 kcal
Glass of Blossom Hill Vie low alcohol white wine (175ml) – 79 kcal
Glass of prosecco (125 ml) – 80 kcal
Can of Pimm’s and Diet Lemonade (250ml) – 81 kcal
Glass of First Cape Light Rosé(175ml) – 84 kcal
White wine spritzer with soda water – 90 kcal
Bacardi Breezer Diet (275ml bottle) – 96 kcal
Carling Zest Citrus lager (330ml bottle) – 99 kcal
Smirnoff Ice Light – 110 kcal
These days, many people are opting for ‘teetotalism’ – the practice of complete abstinence from alcohol – in a bid to live a healthier lifestyle. This is a good idea to try during Dry July at the moment, adn see how it can benefit your overall wellbeing.
However, you don’t necessarily need to cut out alcohol completely to reap the health benefits. Why not try making some simple adjustments to your alcohol consumption by ensuring you have some alcohol free days every week? You could also swap a large glass of wine for a small; a double measure for a single; a pint of lager for a smaller size bottle, and so on. Over time, these small changes will significantly lower your consumption of alcohol.
The no- and low-alcohol drink market has seen a big boost in recent years, with a huge range of alcohol-free beers, wines and spirits now available to enjoy. The lower alcohol content in these drinks means you’ll be consuming less calories and, of course, less alcohol.
So next time you are looking at your daily/weekly calories, take a look at your alcohol consumption and see how you may be able to reduce your intake to help you reach your goals.
Cheers!
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