Dietitian-recommended Low-calorie Alcoholic Beverages for Weight Loss

Suppose you’ve decided to start your fitness journey this year. It’s crucial to keep an eye on what goes into your body.

Alcohol is not a panacea for your health because it is high in calories and low in nutrients. But this doesn’t mean you must cut out all your alcohol-related social activities. Indeed, there is nothing like a chilled glass of wine to unwind at the end of the day.

A moderate consumption of alcohol is compatible with a healthy lifestyle. Moderate to light drinking has been linked to enhanced creativity, memory retention, and stress reduction. Furthermore, it has the potential to increase your life span.

Use moderation if you want to drink alcoholic beverages without gaining weight. It is possible to reduce calorie intake by selecting and carefully planning your consumption of alcoholic beverages.

 Effects of Alcohol on Weight Loss 

1. Reduced Metabolic Rate

What we eat and drink is metabolized by the body after consumption. This involves breaking down and storing or utilizing nutrients for energy. Our bodies can’t store alcohol; it’s metabolized upon ingestion instantly. Other nutrients, including lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, are preserved. Accordingly, this stored energy can be converted into body fat.

2. Full of Empty Calories

Many people call alcoholic beverages “empty calories.” They give calories but little nutritional value. For example, a 12-ounce can of beer has about 155 calories, while a 5-ounce glass of red wine has 125 calories. On the other hand, a recommended afternoon snack should comprise 150-200 calories. Consuming numerous servings of alcoholic beverages on a night out results in higher calorie intake.

3. Causes Organ Damage

Your liver primarily filters out foreign compounds entering your body, including alcoholic beverages and drugs. It also regulates protein, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Excessive alcohol can cause fatty liver disease or other organ disorders.

4. Negatively Impacts Nutritional Intake and Digestion

Alcohol consumption has been linked to decreased digestive function and nutrient absorption. It also adversely affects the metabolism of fat-regulating organs. Moreover, it strains the digestive system, reducing digestive secretions and slowing food transit time.

5. Poor Sleep Quality

A single glass of wine with dinner or a few drinks hours before bedtime negatively affects your ability to get quality sleep. Poor sleep quality impedes your efforts to trim down. It can prevent you from making healthy food choices and slow down your metabolism, making it difficult to lose weight.

 All-in-One Guide To Low-calorie Alcoholic Beverages 

 Tequila 

• Calories: 100 calories for 1.5 ounces of tequila.

What is tequila’s best feature? Putting together a “shot” of tequila is easy. All you need is salt, lime, and tequila.

 Vodka 

• Calories: 100 calories for 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled vodka.

According to dietitians, replace sugary juices with low-calorie mixers like club soda.

 Whiskey 

• Calories: 100 calories for every 1.5 ounces.

Instead of drinking your whiskey with cola, try it neat or on the rocks to reduce the calories.

 Gin 

• Calories: 115 calories for 1.5 ounces of gin.

A martini is a good choice if you want something easy to drink. Oh, and don’t forget the olives; they’re rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.

 White Wine 

• Calories: 123 calories for 5 ounces glass of white wine.

According to the experts from an Edwards liquor store, if you have some white wine, sparkling water, or club soda on hand, it would be best to make a refreshing spritzer by adding some fresh fruit. You can concoct this drink to unwind at home while still staying healthy.

 Brandy 

• Calories: 100 calories for a 1.5-ounce of Brandy.

Drink this as a nightcap after dinner to fully appreciate the brandy’s mellow, fruity richness.

 Ways To Reduce the Calorie Content on Your Alcoholic Beverages 

Cap your drinking to a certain amount.  

Make a pact to limit your weekly alcohol intake to a certain level, and stick to it. This helps you keep your calorie consumption in check when trying to lose weight.

 Drink plenty of water. 

Dietitians recommend diluting alcoholic beverages with at least one or two glasses of water.

 Eat first before drinking alcohol. 

You should not consume alcohol on an empty stomach. It can have a significant impact on how you feel the next day and on your weight loss journey overall.

 Select drinks with fewer calories. 

Vodka, whiskey, and gin are one of the best alcohols for weight reduction since they are completely devoid of carbohydrates.

 Key Takeaway 

People trying to lose weight or improve their health in any other way may decide to abstain from alcohol. Others may still wish to have a few drinks of alcohol while on their weight-loss journey. Fortunately, there are various low-calorie and sugar-free alcoholic beverages to choose from. Consider the information and recommendations mentioned above to guide you in making informed decisions regarding your fitness plans.