Milly Gaines
Alcoholic drinks tend to be loaded with calories and added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and health problems. However, if you're on a diet and want to consume alcohol, there are ways to minimize your calorie intake. It is recommended to opt for low-calorie alcoholic drinks and avoid sugary mixers. Vodka is a popular choice for dieters as it is low in calories and has a mild flavor that pairs well with various mixers. A vodka soda is a classic, refreshing option that can be easily prepared at home or ordered at most bars and restaurants. Other low-calorie drink options include hard seltzers, light beer, gin with diet tonic water, and rum with diet cola. Additionally, making mixed drinks at home allows you to control the ingredients and choose low-calorie or unsweetened mixers. While drinking in moderation is essential, it's also crucial to prioritize healthy food choices and hydration to support your weight loss journey effectively.
Alcoholic drinks to consume while on a diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Type | Vodka, light beer, gin, whiskey, rum, wine, martini, hard seltzers |
| Mixers | Diet Coke, lime, club soda, seltzer water, diet tonic, tea |
| Calories | Low-calorie, no carbs, no sugar, no fat |
| Consumption | In moderation, on special occasions, with healthy snacks |
| Benefits | Antioxidant-rich, good for gut health, vitamins and minerals, gluten-free |
| Avoid | Sugary mixers, heavy cocktails, beer, Long Island iced teas, Pina Coladas, White Russians |
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What You'll Learn
- Low-calorie alcoholic drinks: vodka soda, rum with diet coke, gin and diet tonic
- Avoid sugary mixers: opt for soda water, diet tonic, or sugar-free mixers
- Light beer: fewer calories and lower alcohol content than regular beer
- Hard seltzers: low-calorie alternative to cocktails or beer
- Avoid ultra-sugary cocktails: Pina Coladas, Long Island Iced Teas, Mai Tais
Low-calorie alcoholic drinks: vodka soda, rum with diet coke, gin and diet tonic
If you're watching your weight, reducing your alcohol intake can be an effective way to cut down on calories. Many alcoholic drinks are loaded with calories and added sugar, which can contribute to obesity and other health issues. However, if you don't want to give up alcohol completely, there are plenty of low-calorie options to consider.
Vodka soda is a classic low-calorie drink, with only 133 calories in a 255ml serving. You can add extra flavour with garnishes like cucumber or mint, or a spritz of lemon or lime juice. Alternatively, swap the soda for another type of sparkling water.
Rum with diet coke is another good choice. A 225ml serving contains 135 calories. You can also make this drink at home, adding extra ice or using fresh herbs to enhance the flavour.
Gin and diet tonic is a popular low-calorie option. A shot of gin (42 grams or 1.5 ounces) contains 97 calories, and when mixed with diet tonic water, there are no extra calories. This is because diet tonic water uses artificial sweeteners, which add zero calories. However, it's important to consume these drinks in moderation, as processed foods are not as healthy as whole foods.
In addition to these drinks, tequila with lime, light beer, and dry martinis are also lower in calories than many other alcoholic drinks.
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Avoid sugary mixers: opt for soda water, diet tonic, or sugar-free mixers
While it may be best to avoid alcohol altogether when trying to lose weight, there are ways to minimise the extra calories you consume. One way is to avoid sugary mixers and opt for soda water, diet tonic, or sugar-free mixers.
Alcoholic drinks often contain a lot of calories and added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. When drinking, it's important to be mindful of the number of calories you're consuming, as they can add up quickly.
One way to reduce your calorie intake is to choose low-calorie mixers. Instead of sugary options like cola or tonic water, try soda water, diet tonic, or sugar-free alternatives. For example, a vodka soda is a light and refreshing drink that can be easily made at home or ordered at a bar. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon to your drink, which is a better option than using sugar or syrups.
Another way to cut down on calories is to make your drinks at home, as premade mixers tend to be high in sugar and calories. You can also try using more ice, soda water, or seltzer and less juice or soda in your drink. Hard seltzers like White Claw, Truly, and Vizzy are also good low-calorie alternatives to sugary cocktails or beer. They come in a variety of fruity flavours and are typically around 100 calories per can.
By avoiding sugary mixers and opting for healthier alternatives, you can reduce the number of calories you consume while still enjoying a drink. However, it's important to remember that alcohol should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Light beer: fewer calories and lower alcohol content than regular beer
If you're on a diet, it's important to be mindful of the calories and sugar in beverages. Alcoholic drinks tend to be high in calories, and they can inhibit the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, leading to deficiencies and weight gain. However, if you enjoy beer, you don't have to give it up completely. Light beer often has fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than regular beer, making it a good choice if you're trying to lose weight but still want to indulge in a drink.
The number of calories in light beer can vary depending on the brand, but a 12-ounce (360-mL) can usually have around 100 to 150 calories. This is significantly less than regular beer, which can have 200 or more calories per 12 ounces. By choosing light beer, you can save over 100 calories per drink. Additionally, light beer may be a better option than mixed drinks, which can still contain around 100 calories even when paired with a no-calorie mixer.
It's worth noting that the lower the alcohol by volume (ABV), the lower the calories in beer. So, when choosing a light beer, look for those with a lower ABV. Sweeter-tasting beers are likely to have more calories, but the colour of the beer doesn't determine its calorie content—it's all about the ABV. Gluten-free beers, for example, are often low in calories but still packed with flavour.
While light beer can be a good option for those watching their weight, it's important to remember that alcohol should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to health issues, and it's crucial to stay hydrated by drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages. Additionally, non-alcoholic beers are usually much lower in calories, but they may contain up to 0.5% alcohol, so they're not suitable for everyone.
In conclusion, light beer can be a smart choice for those who enjoy the taste of beer but want to cut down on calories. By opting for light beer and being mindful of portion sizes, you can include beer in your diet while still working towards your weight loss goals. However, remember that moderation is key, and it's important to prioritise your health and well-being.
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Hard seltzers: low-calorie alternative to cocktails or beer
If you're looking for a low-calorie alcoholic drink, hard seltzers are a great alternative to cocktails or beer. Hard seltzers are essentially alcoholic sparkling water, typically made by fermenting sugar and water, and then adding carbonation and natural flavours. The result is a light, bubbly, and refreshing drink with around 5% ABV.
Hard seltzers are lower in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar compared to beer, making them a healthier option. While the exact calorie count varies by brand, hard seltzers typically contain around 100 calories per serving. They are also free from added sugars, making them a good choice for those watching their carb or sugar intake.
The simplicity of the drink means that you can easily make it at home, which is beneficial as premade mixers are often high in sugar and calories. When making your own hard seltzer, you can enhance the flavour with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon or lime, avoiding high-calorie sugars or syrups.
Hard seltzers offer a variety of flavours, from classic citrus options like lime and grapefruit to more exotic fruit flavours such as mango or black cherry. Some brands even offer tea-based flavours like peach tea or seasonal flavours like cranberry or pumpkin spice.
While hard seltzers are a healthier alternative to beer, it's important to remember that alcohol should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if you're trying to lose weight.
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Avoid ultra-sugary cocktails: Pina Coladas, Long Island Iced Teas, Mai Tais
When watching your weight, it's best to avoid ultra-sugary cocktails like Piña Coladas, Long Island Iced Teas, and Mai Tais. These drinks are often loaded with calories and added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and health issues over time.
Instead, opt for drinks mixed with low-calorie or unsweetened ingredients. For example, a vodka soda, tequila with lime, or rum with diet coke are all lower-calorie options. If you enjoy beer, light beer typically has fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than regular beer.
When in doubt, making drinks at home is a great way to control the ingredients and calories. You can use fresh herbs to enhance the flavour of your drinks instead of high-calorie sugars or syrups. Additionally, choosing diet tonic water or other low-calorie mixers can significantly reduce the overall calorie count of your drink.
Another simple way to cut down on calories is to adjust the ratio of your ingredients. For example, you can use more ice, sparkling water, or seltzer and less soda or juice in your drink. This helps dilute the cocktail while still keeping the flavour.
Lastly, remember that alcohol should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Decreasing your overall alcohol intake can also support weight loss, in addition to choosing lower-calorie options.
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Frequently asked questions
Some low-calorie alcoholic drinks include:
- Vodka soda
- Tequila with lime
- Rum with diet coke
- Whiskey with water
- Martini
- Light beer
- Hard seltzers
Alcoholic drinks that are ultra-sugary and heavy, such as cocktails, are best avoided when on a diet. Examples include Long Island iced teas, Pina Coladas, White Russians, Mai Tais, Daiquiris, and Blue Hawaiians. It is also best to stay away from heavy beers like stouts or hazy IPAs, as these are high in calories and carbohydrates.
Yes, there are many non-alcoholic alternatives to alcoholic drinks when on a diet. These include mocktails, low-calorie non-alcoholic drinks, and water.
