CALORIES AND ALCOHOL: CAN YOU DRINK AND STILL LOSE WEIGHT?

Despite the calories in alcohol, is it okay to have a drink if you are also trying to lose weight? Surprisingly, the answer is yes.

Of course, there are certain parameters you should follow. In general, if you enjoy a glass of wine or a beer or a mixed drink now and again, it doesn’t mean you have to stop drinking altogether to lose weight.

In fact, for reasons we don’t clearly understand, studies seem to suggest that people with a moderate alcohol intake (one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men) have fewer odds of having a weight problem despite the empty calories alcohol contains.

There are some theories of why this may be, including that perhaps these people have a lower stress level or might eat a healthier Mediterranean-style diet. Or it could be that their balanced alcohol consumption is part of an overall tendency toward doing nothing in excess. Or, perhaps alcohol may contain certain chemical compounds that, in small amounts, are helpful in weight regulation. A moderate alcohol intake has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and other health issues as well.

Naturally, it’s not recommended that someone who doesn’t currently drink alcohol start drinking alcohol as a way to control his or her weight. Likewise, someone with a history of binge drinking or alcoholism shouldn’t aim to drink moderately for weight management purposes. In these cases, avoiding alcohol intake rather than increasing it would be the way to go.

But if you are someone who occasionally enjoys having a drink, you don’t need to change the habit as long as you observe a few common-sense practices.

First, like with any type of food or beverage, be sure to factor the calories from alcohol that you consume into your overall daily intake and make sure those empty calories aren’t edging out healthier foods you should be eating more of.

Second, be selective about what types of drinks you choose. For example, a glass of wine or a wine spritzer has significantly fewer calories from alcohol than a pina colada. A light beer is a better choice than a margarita. A gin with diet tonic water has far fewer calories than a daiquiri. A good general rule is to be aware of the sugar content of the cocktail. The more sugar, the worse for your weight loss efforts.

In short, if you drink alcohol in moderation and are mindful of your choices, it is possible to lose weight without having to become a teetotaler.