No harm is done when enjoying an occasional cocktail or glass of wine; however, when trying to lose weight, it’s essential that you select appropriate alcoholic beverages. Too much drinking of any beverage could sabotage your goals and make your diet harder to follow.
MedlinePlus advises choosing beverages with the lowest caloric per-serving count as an optimal strategy when purchasing them. As an example, a 5 oz shot of 80-proof whiskey contains around 97 calories (compared to 280 for an equivalent amount in daiquiris or pina coladas). In this article, we are going to discuss the best and worst types of alcohol for weight loss.
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About Weight Loss
According to research, the primary motivation for weight loss is better health, i.e., lower cancer risks or improved cholesterol levels and overall more robust heart function.
HealthReporter says weight loss can help relieve chronic pain, lift mood, and stave off diabetes – not to mention boost energy and stamina levels! However, weight loss requires making lifestyle changes that become part of daily routine, including eating a balanced diet and engaging in physical activity regularly.
A healthy diet should include foods high in fiber and low in fat, sugar, salt, and calories. Eating a well-rounded and nutritious diet is one of the best ways to achieve weight loss and stay off it for good. You also need to avoid such drinks or high-calorie drinks as they can make your efforts worthless.
Is Alcohol Good For Weight Loss?
Are you trying to decide whether the beverage will aid weight loss? That answer depends on how much and what types of beverages you drink.
If you’re trying to lose weight, then it’s essential that you limit the amount of alcohol you drink. However, moderated reintroduction may be possible once your goal has been reached. However, for the time being, it would be wiser to avoid drinking it altogether while on your weight loss journey.
It can be high in calories. Depending on the type of booze consumed, each serving can pack in hundreds of extra calories – especially those made up of mixed drinks with sweeteners or mixers added.
Keep in mind that drinking often goes hand-in-hand with high-calorie meals, leading to additional caloric consumption overall. Also, calories from it don’t provide your body with the nutrition it needs for proper metabolism and may even encourage fat storage.
Best Types of Alcohol for Weight Loss
No matter your diet or consumption goals, some types of it are superior to others in terms of their ability to help control weight gain. Discover which ones these:
Red Wine (105 Calories per 5 oz Serving)
A five-ounce serving of red wine provides 105 calories, which includes four grams of carbohydrates, one gram of sugar, and 16 grams of it – an appropriate amount to support weight loss if not overdone. For optimal weight loss, the most appropriate type of red wine to consume is one with a low-tannin and light body, such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Zinfandel.
Champagne (85 Calories per 4 oz Serving)
Champagne is one of the best types of drinks for weight loss because it contains fewer calories than wine and beer. Moderate consumption of champagne may also help enhance mood and reduce stress levels, thanks to its rich supply of calcium and potassium – both powerful mood enhancers. An average 4-ounce serving typically contains 80 to 90 calories.
Light Beer (96 to 100 Calories per 12 oz Serving)
Light beer is an excellent way to cut back on calories. These beers generally contain about 96-100 per 12-ounce serving. These beers are low in carbohydrates and gluten-free. With their light, crisp taste, they make for the ideal light meal accompaniment.
Dry Vermouth (105 Calories per 3 oz Serving)
When it comes to weight loss, dry vermouth is an excellent alcohol choice. With lower calories than vodka and whiskey, as well as lower sugar levels and zero carbohydrate content, dry vermouth makes an ideal beverage option. A 3 oz serving of dry vermouth only contains 105 calories.
Booze on the Rocks (100 Calories per 1.5 oz)
Booze on the Rocks, which contains approximately 100 Calories per 1.5 ounces, is the ideal alcohol choice for weight loss since it mixes easily with lower or no-calorie mixers such as seltzer or club soda.
Worst Types of Alcohol for Weight Loss
Alcohol should only be enjoyed in moderation; otherwise, it could undermine your weight loss goals. If you are on a weight loss journey, here are some you must avoid at every cost.
Sugary Cocktails (500 Calories per 8 oz Serving)
Nothing beats the refreshing flavor of a pina colada as a drink that defines summer. However, this indulgence packs in excess of 500 calories in just 8 oz serving. That is nearly one-quarter of the daily recommended intake. This calorie bomb includes full-fat coconut milk, plenty of pineapple chunks, and rum. When looking to enjoy a cocktail, opt for those containing fresh lime juice without sugary mixtures – they tend to contain less than 200 calories each.
Frozen Beach Drinks (280 Calories per 5 oz Serving)
Nothing puts you in the vacation mood quite like sipping on a frozen island drink. Easy and deliciously refreshing, they create the ideal vacation atmosphere and put everyone in an upbeat state of mind. However, these problematic drinks contain large quantities of added sugars and calories. To keep a healthy diet, it’s a good idea to limit how much of this sweet substance you consume.
Craft Beer (170 Calories per 12 oz Serving)
Craft beers typically contain around 170 or more calories in every 12-ounce serving due to additional ingredients and carbs used to enhance flavor. If you’re trying to lose weight, selecting low-calorie drinks is key. Liquors like vodka, gin, and whiskey typically contain under 100 calories per 1.5-oz serving.
An Alternative to Booze for Anyone Looking to Lose Weight
the beverage may provide a pleasant social lubricant, but its empty calories could thwart weight loss efforts. Therefore, if you’re trying to shed pounds, it’s essential that such drinks be completely eliminated from your diet. Here are some of the best alternatives for it:
- Water
- Kombucha
- Green Tea
- Lemon Juice
- Ginger Beer
Conclusion
Alcoholic drinks are not recommended for people who are trying to lose weight as they contain empty calories. Eliminating its consumption is the most effective approach to reducing your calorie intake. Even if you do choose to drink it in moderation from time to time, choose the ones that contain low calories.
About The Author
This Article Is Written By WMDR Team. Our Vision Is To Create A Community Where A Woman Can Get Access To All The Free Resources To Help Her In Her Health, Mental Wellness, And In her Personal Relationships.