Ahh yes, labor day weekend is finally here. That means we get one more day to take advantage of having no work or school. Typically, labor day weekend entails BBQs and mini vacations to visit family and friends. And typically BBQs and mini vacations to visit family and friends entails quite a few cocktails. So what, it’s liquid, and therefore contains no calories to ruin our diets…especially if it’s clear (yay vodka)! WRONG! Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t indulge in anything (unless you’re under 21 of course), however, I am saying you can be smart about your cocktail choices. When determining the night’s drink of choice, consider this:
ALCOHOL CALORIES
Beer (regular) 144 – per 12 ounces
Beer (light) 108 – per 12 ounces
White Wine 100 – per 5 ounces
Red Wine 105 – per 5 ounces
Dessert Wine 141 – per 3 ounces
80 Proof Distilled Spirits 96 – per 1.5 ounces (1 shot)
(gin, rum, vodka, whisky)
Chart obtained by the USDA National Nutrient Database at: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter9.htm
Okay well that settles it, we should go for some distilled spirits since they are lowest in calories, right? Well, unless you’re a rocks drinker, you have to take into account the calories that come from mixers, such as:
MIXER CALORIES PER 12 OUNCES
Soda (regular) 124-189
Soda (diet) 0-7
Orange Juice 157-168
Cranberry Juice 205
Red Bull 160
Source: Chart obtained from the USDA National Nutrient Database
Now I’m not trying to start another prohibition, but personally, knowing that a simple captain and soda pop can cost me anywhere from 220-285 calories opens my eyes a bit. This calls for some caution to be had on the mixer choice. Just trading the regular soda pop for some diet can save well over 100 calories. Captain and diet is sounding much better right about now huh? Simply being aware of the caloric intake of your cocktails (something most people don’t consider) can help you stay on track with your diet. Remember, I’m not telling you to swear off alcohol, but simply to monitor your cocktail calories just as you would your food calories and you’ll be on the way to a healthier you!
