Article written by Weight gone now
It always happens. You get on a diet, or a workout program. Its going great, and you are starting to see results.
But just at that point, you get invited to an event that you just can’t avoid. It could be a friends birthday. It could be an office party. Either way, you have no choice. You now have to deal with going out and having a drink or two.
Fortunately there is no need to worry. Go through this list of low calorie alcoholic drinks and be prepared before you get to the venue. The lists and recommendations are separated into four categories. Wine, Beer, Spirits and Cocktails. Depending on your preference or what you think will be available, note down some choices.
Note that, if drinking lower calorie alcoholic drinks results in drinking more. Then the point of the entire exercise is lost. Decide on a maximum number of glasses. Then look at the numbers. You might be better off drinking two to three stronger, high calorie alcoholic drinks, than drinking a lot of lower calorie alternatives.
Low Calorie Wine
Wine and champagne are almost always available at any venue or function. If wine is your drink of choice, you will be please to know that they average 100 calories or less per glass. White wines like Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Riesling have 90 calories per 4 oz. Red wine are similar. Merlot, Rose, or Rhonewith have roughly 95 calories per glass. But nothing beats Champagne. A single 4 oz glass is just 78 calories.
RECOMMENDED: Champagne – 78 Calories per 4oz Glass
WHITE WINE: Chardonnay,Zinfandel or Riesling – 90 Calories per 4oz Glass
RED WINE: Merlot, Rose or Rhonewith – 95 Calories per 4oz Glass
Low Calorie Beer
The average bottle beer has approximately 150 calories per bottle. Fear of the dreaded Beer belly aside, that’s not much considering the volume. The biggest issue when looking for low calorie beers is availability. There are plenty of great choices. Michelob Ultra has just 95 calories per bottle, while Miller Lite has just 96 calories per 12-ounce bottle. Miller Genuine Draft Lite has just 64 calories per bottle. Pabst Extra Light Low Alcohol has only 67 calories. They may not taste all that great or pack much of a punch but they are light on the calorie count. However chances are that you won’t find them everywhere. Guinness on the hand is likely to be available. Guinness gets a bad rap because of the darker hue. But at 125 calories per 12 ounces, it is a great balance between calories and taste.
RECOMMENDED: Guinness – 125 Calories per 12 oz
Low Calorie Alcohol
Spirits are another good option. The danger comes from the mixers. Stick to diet mixers, and you should be fine. If you drink any of these on the rocks, its a double benefit. Not only will you drink slowly. But you will also avoid drinking diet cola’s and whatever sweetener it contains.
RECOMMENDED: Rum & Diet Coke – 64 Calories per 1 oz
Here are calories counts for other spirits:
Rum – 64 Calories per 1 oz
Brandy – 64 Calories per 1 oz
Gin – 64 Calories per 1 oz
Tequila – 64 Calories per 1 oz
Scotch Whiskey – 73 Calories per 1 oz
Vodka – 73 Calories per 1 oz
Whisky – 73 Calories per 1 oz
High Calorie Drinks to Avoid
Drinks heavy in cola or juices (eg: Margarita)
Frozen or creamy drinks (eg: Pina Colada)
Drinks with high calorie mixers (eg: Eggnog)
Alcohol high in calories and sugar (eg: Crème de Menthe)
Use this information wisely. Make a note of what your primary options are. How much you want to drink. What to avoid. And you’re good to go!