Milly Gaines
While some diets have a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol, many others allow moderate alcohol consumption. Experts say that diets that permit drinking may be easier to stick to than their more rigid counterparts. For example, the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains, typically allows one or two drinks per day. Similarly, the Zone diet conforms to a ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 30% protein, and alcohol fits into this equation as well. Other diets that allow alcohol include the MIND diet, Volumetrics, the Jenny Craig diet, and the Biggest Loser diet.
Diets that allow alcohol
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian Diet | No restrictions on alcohol |
| Zone Diet | Alcohol fits into the ratio of 40% carbs, 30% fat, and 30% protein |
| Mediterranean Diet | Allows low to moderate alcohol consumption |
| MIND Diet | Includes wine |
| Volumetrics | Allows alcohol |
| Jenny Craig Diet | Allows alcohol in pre-approved portions |
| Biggest Loser Diet | Allows 200 calories of "extras", which can include alcohol |
| Keto Diet | Allows alcohol without residual sugars |
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What You'll Learn
The Mediterranean diet allows moderate alcohol consumption
While many diets cut out alcohol entirely, some allow for moderate consumption. One such example is the Mediterranean diet, which is based on the traditional eating patterns of Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece. This diet emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and extra virgin olive oil, while encouraging the limitation of red meat, sweets, and processed foods.
The Mediterranean diet is not a strict set of rules but rather a lifestyle choice and a general approach to eating. It does not set hard and fast rules for what is allowed or prohibited. Instead, it encourages the consumption of certain foods and the limitation of others. This flexibility extends to alcohol consumption, where moderate drinking, particularly of wine, is considered acceptable.
Wine has been a part of Mediterranean culture for thousands of years, and it is typically enjoyed with meals. Dozens of studies have linked this dietary pattern with positive benefits to both health and longevity. For example, moderate wine consumption has been associated with reduced risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Wine contains various polyphenolic substances, such as flavonols, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and the stilbene resveratrol, which may offer health benefits.
However, it is important to note that recent research has also highlighted the potential negative effects of alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts. As such, while the Mediterranean diet does allow for moderate alcohol intake, it is not promoted as a health benefit, and individuals are advised not to start drinking wine solely for this reason. Instead, the focus should remain on overall eating patterns and making conscious choices regarding alcohol consumption.
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The Zone diet permits alcohol, but with a limit on carbs and calories
The Zone diet is one of the diets that allow alcohol. The diet, developed by Dr. Barry Sears, an American biochemist, focuses on eating a specific ratio of macronutrients to reduce inflammation in the body. The recommended ratio is 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat.
While the Zone diet permits alcohol, it is important to note that beer and wine contain carbohydrates, and all alcoholic beverages contribute additional calories. Therefore, if you choose to consume alcohol while on the Zone diet, moderation is essential. Additionally, it is recommended to opt for red wine, as it contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants believed to offer health benefits.
The Zone diet is flexible and does not restrict any specific foods or drinks. However, it emphasizes the importance of portion control and recommends eating three meals and two snacks daily, with each meal containing no more than 400 calories. This diet also encourages consuming lean protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrates, and mostly monounsaturated fats.
The hand-eye method is a popular way to start the Zone diet. This method uses your hand and eye as tools to determine portion sizes and ensure you are consuming the right ratio of macronutrients. The Zone food blocks method is another approach that involves calculating the specific grams of protein, carbohydrates, and fat you can consume based on your body measurements.
Overall, the Zone diet provides a structured framework for managing inflammation and promoting health, while still allowing for the inclusion of alcohol in moderation.
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The MIND diet includes wine
While most diets cut out alcohol entirely, some allow moderate alcohol consumption. The MIND diet, for instance, includes wine as one of its 15 dietary components. This diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focuses on brain health and aims to reduce cognitive decline. Wine is included in the MIND diet because it is part of the traditional habits of people who live in the Mediterranean region. Wine also has potential health benefits, such as thwarting inflammation and other health problems.
The MIND diet is flexible and does not include rigid meal plans. It is up to the individual to create their own meal plans and recipes based on the recommended foods. The diet includes 10 brain-healthy food groups and five unhealthy groups. Wine is listed as an optional food in the brain-healthy category.
The MIND diet encourages the consumption of green, leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, beans, whole grains, fish, lean poultry, and olive oil. It recommends limiting red meat, butter, cheese, pastries, sweets, and fried or fast food. The diet is plant-based and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It also includes gluten-free options.
Research has shown that following the MIND diet, even to a moderate degree, is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. Several studies have found that participants with higher MIND diet scores had better cognitive functioning, larger total brain volume, and lower risk of dementia.
While the MIND diet includes wine, it is important to note that the effects of alcohol vary for each individual. The decision to include alcohol in one's diet should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
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The Volumetrics diet allows drinking, with no need to compensate with exercise
The Volumetrics diet is a nutritional plan that can help you feel full and achieve your nutritional goals. It was created in 2000 by Barbara Rolls, PhD, a professor of nutritional studies at Pennsylvania State University. Unlike diets that focus on cutting back, the Volumetrics diet helps people find healthy foods. The key idea of Volumetrics centers on feeling full. It's about the types and amounts of food you eat—not the number of calories or grams of fat, protein, or carbs. So, the trick is to eat more of the right foods for fewer calories. In some cases, Rolls claims that Volumetrics allows you to eat more, not less, than you do now, while still slimming down.
The Volumetrics diet categorizes food into four groups based on its caloric density. It emphasizes eating nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. These foods have a higher water content, which adds volume to food and helps people feel sated. The diet encourages limiting high-calorie-density foods, including foods with a high proportion of unhealthy fats and added sugar. The Volumetrics diet allows drinking alcohol in moderation. There's no need to compromise on taste, and you don't have to give up your favorites—just make smart changes. For example, if you leave the butter off your bread, you can have two slices instead of one for the same number of calories.
The Volumetrics diet is one of U.S. News & World Report's Best Diets of 2025. It has proven health benefits based on independent research and is nutritionally sound. It has no off-limit foods or calorie counting required. The diet can help you lose weight by feeling full on fewer calories. However, remember that everyone's body is different, and a diet that works for some may not work for others.
The Volumetrics diet is not the only diet that allows alcohol consumption. The Mediterranean diet, for example, includes moderate wine consumption because it is part of the traditional habits of people who live in the Mediterranean. Additionally, wine's science-backed potential health benefits are why it remains part of the plan. The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, also includes wine. Other diets that allow alcohol include the Zone Diet, the Jenny Craig diet, and the Biggest Loser diet.
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The Jenny Craig diet allows alcohol in small portions
The Jenny Craig diet is a weight-loss plan that delivers calorie-controlled, prepackaged meals to your door. The meals are designed to be low-calorie, with each meal being 300 calories or less, and are supplemented with a list of healthy foods that can be purchased at a grocery store. The diet is based on the TV show of the same name and is centred around portion control, allowing dieters to eat any food in moderation.
Alcohol is allowed in small portions on the Jenny Craig diet. This is in line with the diet's overall approach of not eliminating food and beverage groups but instead consuming them in pre-approved portions. For example, a small after-work drink is permitted. However, it is important to note that the diet is quite restrictive, and alcohol should be consumed in moderation.
The diet offers three main food categories: "GLP-1 friendly", "high protein", and "carb conscious". Within these categories, customers can select foods that are good sources of fibre, vegetarian, or diabetes-friendly. The diet also provides a grocery guide that recommends choosing whole, unprocessed, and unsweetened foods cooked without added fat.
The Jenny Craig diet is a convenient option for those seeking weight loss, as it takes the guesswork out of meal prepping. The meals are delivered bi-weekly and include daily meals, snacks, and desserts. The program also offers one-on-one online coaching and resources to support individuals in achieving their weight loss goals.
While the Jenny Craig diet does allow for alcohol in small portions, it is important to remember that alcohol can hinder weight loss efforts. Alcoholic beverages add extra calories and can make it easier for the body to store carbs as fat. Additionally, certain types of alcohol may not align with specific dietary restrictions. For example, some wines are filtered through gelatin, egg whites, or isinglass, which is made from fish bladders, making them unsuitable for vegans.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are diets that allow alcohol. Some of the most popular ones include the Mediterranean diet, the Zone diet, and the Volumetrics diet.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, and olive oil. It is also typically low to moderate in alcohol consumption, with red wine being the most common choice due to its antioxidants and potential health benefits.
The Zone diet follows a ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 30% protein. Alcohol, particularly red wine, can be included in moderation as it contains polyphenols and antioxidants.
The Volumetrics diet focuses on consuming foods that are less energy-dense, meaning they have fewer calories per gram. This allows for more flexibility in terms of portion sizes and includes the occasional drink.
