Just How Many Calories Are You Drinking?

Here’s a familiar scene: You get together for your weekly or monthly night out with the girls and you’re ready to plan ahead so you stick to your “diet”.  You order a salad instead of the chicken wings you’re really craving, and something light and healthy, like chicken or fish for a meal. Good for you! So why are you gaining weight?

Well… Let’s think about what and how much you drink when you go out, or even when you’re at home. Maybe you have a few mixed drinks, or even just a glass or two of wine in the evening. It’s probably not that much, but it’s enough to negate all of the exercise and healthy eating you’ve done.

Unfortunately, when it comes to weight loss, what you drink matters just as much as what you eat. Most of us are aware of how quickly calories in sodas and other sweetened beverages can add up, but few are aware of how just many calories are in wine, beer, or most mixed drinks. Keeping in mind that most women need anywhere between 1500-2000 calories each day (depending on your height, age, and activity level), you can see from the following charts just how big of a dent a few drinks can make.

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A few tips –

• If you’re going to have more than one, stick to a wine spritzer or light beer, which have significantly fewer calories

• Have a glass of water or flavored seltzer in-between alcoholic drinks

• If you really want a mixed drink, ask if the bartender can make a “sugar-free” version

• Whatever you do, don’t skip a meal so you can drink alcohol. Not only is it dangerous because the alcohol will be absorbed into your bloodstream more quickly, but you’ll probably be tempted to order the not so healthy food options due to something researchers call “the aperitif effect”. Doesn’t everything smell and look a little bit better after a few drinks?

Do you think about calories when you order a drink?

Eat well!