Can You Still Drink Alcohol and Lose Weight?

 

From sipping on a glass of wine while unwinding after a long day to enjoying an ice-cold mug of beer while watching a sporting event with friends, it is unsurprising that many people enjoy including a boozy beverage in their diet once in a while. But since alcoholic drinks can be loaded with empty calories, those who are trying to lose weight may shy away from knocking back a cold one out of concern that by doing so, they will totally derail their weight goals.

But is it true that you can't drink alcohol and lose weight, or can you still enjoy a cocktail and stick to your health goals?

 The good news is that, in conjunction with eating an overall healthy and balanced diet, a once-in-a-

while alcoholic drink can be a part of a weight loss plan as long as you pick the right choices. While certain sugar-laden mixed drinks can contain a whopping 700 calories or more per serving (we're looking at you, pina coladas), there are some weight loss-friendly alcoholic drinks that are totally enjoyable to sip.

How to drink alcoholic beverages while still supporting your weight loss goals.

The key to drinking alcohol while trying to lose weight is to, first and foremost, stick to a reasonable portion size.

While it may be tempting to order the extra large margarita on taco Tuesday or take advantage of a two-for-one beer special at happy hour, extra large servings will result in you consuming more alcohol.

Since one gram of alcohol contains seven calories, it doesn't take a mathematician to see how drinking more alcohol can result in overconsumption of calories. In the United States, one "standard" drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.

Along with paying attention to your alcohol portion, if you are a mixed drink lover, you should stick with mixers that are not loaded with added sugar or large quantities of fat. While creamy and chocolatey dessert-like alcoholic drinks are dreamy, they won't do you any favors in the weight loss department. And if you are a canned boozie bevvie aficionado, make sure that the one you are cracking open is free from excessive amounts of added sugars as well.

-Eatthis