Best and
Worst Booze While Dieting
Courtesy of cookinglight.com
Can you enjoy
a glass of wine and still lose weight? Sort of. While alcohol
adds extra calories and isn’t recommended for weight loss,
an occasional drink can fit into your diet plan. The key is
to make a smart choice (think 150 calories or less) and stick
with just one to two alcoholic beverages.
The Best
1. Mimosa - This
brunch favorite only has about 80 calories per 4-ounce glass.
Since it’s half champagne and half orange juice, you’re
also getting a little vitamin C. Want to skip the OJ? A 4-ounce
glass of champagne is just 90 calories, so you’re still
making a good choice.
2. Wine - You
can’t go wrong with red or white since a 5-ounce glass
has 100 to 120 calories depending on the sweetness and type
of grape. However, be careful with serving sizes if you’re
pouring at home since today’s larger wine glasses can
make you pour extra. If you do want a second glass or a larger-sized
pour, make that 5-ounces go farther by adding club soda to create
a wine spritzer.
3. Vodka Martini
- A classic vodka martini
made with 1.5 ounces of vodka and 1/3 ounce vermouth is just
120 calories. Feel free to add a little olive juice and an olive
for just 5 more calories, but be careful with flavored martinis
such as sour apple or chocolate in which calories can add up
much quicker.
4. Gin &
Tonic - A shot of gin has just 100 calories, so when paired
with a low-cal mixer such as tonic water and given a twist of
lime, this classic cocktail is a healthy choice at just 135
calories. To save even more calories, pair with club soda instead.
5. Light Beer
– There’s a huge selection of light beers available
ranging from 55 to 120 calories, which can make beer a very
low-calorie choice when dieting. Beware of lesser-known draft
beers that might be described as “light” due to
their color or taste but may not necessarily be light in calories.
The Worst
1. Long Island
Iced Tea – Mixing not one but four liquors (vodka, gin,
rum and tequila) with sour mix and a dash of cola means you
get a cocktail not only larger in size and higher in calories
(around 280 calories) but also stronger in alcohol, none of
which are good when you’re trying to stay on track. Opt
instead for rum or bourbon mixed with diet soda, and you’ll
only take in 105 calories.
2. Margarita
– While there may be no better cocktail to go with your
tacos, margaritas made with sweet mix and triple sec can clock
in around 450 calories... and that’s for the small 8-ounce
size. If you’re not ready to give margaritas up, then
look for a “skinny” version or one that uses fresh
lime juice and skips a sweet mix. These varieties are usually
closer to 200 calories.
3. Fruity Island
Drinks - Daiquiris, piña coladas and pretty much any
other fruity, slushy drink may sound somewhat healthy because
of the fruit content, but they are actually packed with extra
sugar that can add up to 300 calories in a 5-ounce drink. Often
served in larger glasses, a typical serving may have more like
500 to 800 calories.
4. Beer –
Confused since we listed beer as one of the “Best”
choices too? It's all about calories, and today’s beers
can range from 55 to 360 for 12 fluid ounces. Light beers are
great lower-calorie choices, but watch out for heavier, sweeter
beers, as well as those with higher alcohol content. A higher
percentage of alcohol means more calories, and lowering inhibitions
can also make it hard to stay on track.
5. White Russians
- Made with heavy cream, vodka, and Kahlúa, they pack
almost 500 calories into a 5-ounce glass. In addition, the heavy
cream gives you more saturated fat than you need in one day.
For a lighter sweet, after-dinner drink, try a cup of coffee
with a shot of Kahlúa and a dash of skim milk for just
100 calories.