Weight Loss and Alcohol

You've learned a lot about cutting calories in food. Most of us don't think of beer, wine, and cocktails as high calorie items.

The truth is: those extra calories in alcohol can really add up fast.

Alcohol is high in calories, similar to fat:

How does it add up?

2 glasses of white wine is about 360 calories. That makes up a big part of the daily calorie target for most people.

Drinking 5 to 6 beers a week can add thousands of calories in a year, the same as eating over 200 doughnuts!

It's easy to see how excess alcohol intake can give you extra pounds.

And snacking is quite common while drinking, adding to the calories as well.

If you do drink, a good way to cut back on calories might be drinking in moderation.

Drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks. This will help to prevent dehydration.

Choose low-proof drinks, or drinks with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV). Swap your usual for a lower calorie drink.

Swap a piña colada for a mojito and save 326 calories.
Swap double rum and coke for single vodka, lime, and soda and save 107 calories.
Swap a large glass of white wine for a white wine spritzer with diet soda and save 35 calories.

Don't drink on an empty stomach. If you do snack while drinking, avoid high-calorie snacks, such as chips and fried foods. Try lighter options, like pretzels, plain popcorn, or oven-baked chips.
Drinking in rounds can mean you end up drinking more than you want. Opt out and drink at your own pace.
Try cutting down with a friend. The moral support and teamwork will help you.
Eat a healthy dinner before you start drinking. Also, order your food before you start drinking, so you're not tempted to go for the less healthy options.
Avoid "binge drinking." Drinking a large amount of alcohol one night may be much worse for your health than small amounts over time.

To see how your drinks add up, try this Alcohol Calorie Counter.

Send your care manager a message if you have questions or want to talk.