Milly Gaines
Alcohol is a controversial topic when it comes to dieting and weight loss. While some diets eliminate alcohol completely, others argue that small amounts can have health benefits. Alcohol is a source of empty calories and can disrupt your metabolism, so it's important to be mindful of how much you're consuming. If you're looking to include alcohol in your diet, it's best to opt for low-calorie and low-carb options like vodka, gin, whiskey, and red wine. These drinks can be mixed with club soda or seltzer water to create refreshing cocktails without adding extra calories. Additionally, avoiding sugary mixers and drinking in moderation can help you stay on track with your health goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol type | Pure spirits, wine, champagne, beer, cocktails |
| Calories | Alcoholic drinks contain empty calories |
| Metabolism | Alcohol disrupts metabolism |
| Low-calorie options | Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, brandy, wine, light beer, skinny cocktails, spritzers |
| Mixers | Avoid sugary mixers like soda, juice, coconut cream, tonic water |
| Sugar content | Check sugar content on price labels or online |
| Weight loss impact | Alcohol can slow down weight loss |
| Recommendations | Drink in moderation, choose low-calorie options, avoid mixers high in sugar |
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What You'll Learn
Vodka is a guilt-free option
While it is true that alcohol contains empty calories, it is possible to indulge every now and then and stay on track with your diet. If you are looking to include some alcohol in your weight loss meal plan, vodka is a guilt-free option.
Vodka is often considered the best liquor to drink on a diet because it is so low in calories. An average shot of vodka contains just 96 to 97 calories. Vodka also has a relatively mild flavour, so it works well with many different mixers. A vodka soda is a classic because it’s light, refreshing, and easy to make. The key here is to stick to traditional club soda or seltzer water rather than opting for a sugary soda. While tonic water will add some extra calories to your beverage, club soda does not. Using club soda also ensures that the drink feels balanced. If you want to add a hint of sweetness, add a little bit of fresh lime juice for an extra kick.
If you find that hard liquor is too strong to be consumed on its own, try adding some water or ice to dilute it. You can also try adding some club soda, as it has no sugar and zero calories, helping your weight loss goal.
It is important to remember that the key to drinking alcohol while dieting is to stick to low-calorie options and keep your alcohol consumption in moderation. Calories from alcoholic beverages can add up quickly and offset your progress, so opting for the lowest-calorie options is critical.
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Low-calorie alcoholic drinks
While it is true that alcohol is a source of empty calories, it is possible to drink in moderation and still stay on track with your diet. Many diets eliminate alcohol, but this can be difficult to follow and unsustainable. If you are going to drink while dieting, it is important to drink smart and opt for low-calorie alcoholic drinks.
To decrease the calorie content of your drink, you can try skipping mixers that are high in added sugar, such as soda, juice, and coconut cream. Instead, opt for low-calorie or unsweetened mixers like club soda, tonic water, or seltzer. You can also adjust the ratio of your drink by adding more ice, sparkling water, or seltzer and less soda or juice. For example, a vodka soda with a squeeze of lime or a gin and tonic made with diet tonic water are refreshing and low-calorie options.
Tequila is also a good choice for low-calorie drinking. You can enjoy it with lime or club soda, or try a Skinny Margarita by mixing tequila with fresh lime juice, triple sec, and a sugar-free sweetener. Another option is to make a Paloma by serving tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit juice or soda over ice, skipping the extra sugar that most recipes call for.
If you're a beer drinker, light beer typically has fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than regular beer. Hard seltzers are another good choice, as they combine seltzer water with alcohol made from fermented cane sugar and are usually available in fruity flavours.
Remember, while these drinks are lower in calories, alcohol can still disrupt your metabolism and appetite, so it's important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Pure spirits are low in carbs
Alcohol is a controversial topic when it comes to dieting. While some diets eliminate alcohol altogether, others allow for the occasional drink in moderation. If you're looking to include alcohol in your diet, it's important to choose low-calorie and low-carb options. Pure spirits, such as whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila, and rum, are excellent choices as they contain zero carbs.
Pure spirits, also known as distilled spirits, go through a distillation process that removes all carbs. This means that a standard 1.5-ounce serving of these spirits without any mixer contains only about 100 calories and zero carbs. For example, a vodka soda with lime is a refreshing low-carb option. Similarly, a rum and unsweetened black tea is another creative way to enjoy a low-carb drink.
On the other hand, mixers like soda, juice, coconut cream, and energy drinks are high in added sugar and can quickly turn your drink into a high-calorie beverage. Cocktails and mixed drinks are often high in carbs due to these sugary ingredients. Even a tonic water mixer can boost the carbs in your drink, as seen with gin and tonic, which has 16 grams of carbs.
It's important to note that while pure spirits are low in carbs, alcohol itself is a source of empty calories and can disrupt your metabolism. When consumed, alcohol takes priority in your body's digestion process, temporarily pausing your metabolism and potentially increasing fat storage. Additionally, drinking in excess can cause a drop in blood sugar, leading to increased hunger or cravings for unhealthy food.
Therefore, when incorporating alcohol into your diet, opt for pure spirits with low-carb mixers like diet soda, seltzer, or diet tonic water. Additionally, watch your serving sizes, as larger drinks can significantly increase your carb and calorie intake. Remember, moderation is key, and it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalized advice.
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Avoid sugary mixers
Alcohol is a source of empty calories and can inhibit weight loss. It is often associated with poor food choices and can increase cravings for unhealthy food. It is also a toxin and inflammatory substance, and our bodies do not have the ability to store alcohol.
If you are on a diet and want to consume alcohol, it is important to avoid sugary mixers. Mixers like soda, juice, and coconut cream are high in added sugar and can quickly add up to your calorie intake. Instead, you can opt for low-sugar or sugar-free mixers like soda water with a squeeze of citrus fruit, unsweetened tea, or sugar-free alternatives. These options will help you reduce your sugar and calorie intake while still enjoying a drink.
It is worth noting that sugar-free mixers may increase the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to higher breath alcohol concentrations. Therefore, it is important to consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, regardless of the mixer used.
Additionally, when ordering cocktails, ask about the ingredients used to avoid added sugars. You can also opt for seasonal combinations of botanicals, teas, and herbs or stick to liquor with club soda or seltzer and a fruit wedge. These choices will help you stay mindful of your sugar and calorie intake while enjoying a drink.
While it is possible to indulge in alcoholic beverages occasionally while on a diet, it is important to prioritise your health and weight goals. Learning to balance your nutrition and practising moderation will help you incorporate the occasional cocktail without hindering your progress.
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Dry white wines are best
If you're on a diet, it's best to avoid alcohol altogether. Alcohol is a source of empty calories and can slow down your weight loss. However, if you want to indulge occasionally, there are some better options than others. Dry white wines are one of the best choices.
Firstly, wine and pure spirits are the lowest in carbs, while beer and sweet mixed drinks are the highest. So, if you're following a low-carb diet, wine is a good option. The drier the wine, the less sugar it contains, so always opt for a dry white wine over a sweeter variety. Check the sugar content on the price label or online, and choose wines with 5 grams of sugar per litre or less. Also, the higher the alcohol content of the wine, the higher the calorie count, so go for wines with an ABV of 9-12%.
Secondly, wine is a better choice than beer. Some very light American beers are low in carbs and can be consumed on a low-carb diet, but most beers are fairly high in carbs and calories and should be avoided. Beers can also be high in calories, especially wheat beers, stouts, and IPAs.
Finally, wine is a healthier option than sugary cocktails. If you're going to drink cocktails, it's better to opt for a skinny cocktail or a spritzer made with a zero-calorie mixer like soda or seltzer water, and a single fruit wedge like grapefruit, lemon, or lime. You could also try a classic martini, but avoid any sweet additions or mixers.
So, if you're looking for a low-calorie, low-carb alcoholic drink to enjoy on a diet, dry white wine is a great choice. Just remember to drink in moderation and be mindful of the sugar and alcohol content.
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Frequently asked questions
Vodka is often considered the best liquor to drink on a diet because it is low in calories. An average shot of vodka contains about 97 calories. Vodka also has a mild flavor, so it works well with many different mixers. A vodka soda is a classic because it’s light, refreshing, and easy to make.
Yes, low-calorie alcoholic drinks include wine, champagne, and pure spirits like whiskey, gin, brandy, and tequila. Light beer and skinny cocktails are also lower in calories.
Alcoholic drinks that are high in calories and sugar include beer, wheat beers, stouts, IPAs, and sugary cocktails. It is also recommended to avoid drinks with mixers that are high in added sugar, like soda, juice, coconut cream, and tonic water.
