They don't call it a beer belly for nothing. Drinking excessive amount of alcohol can pack on the pounds. So if you're watching your waistline, you may want to skip that next round. It's important to remember that all alcoholic drinks are not created equal. Perhaps the smartest choice calorie-wise is a glass of wine. Both red and white wines will cost you just 100 calories per a five-ounce glass. They also have no fat. If you prefer to stay in the spirits of things, keep this in mind. Beer and mixed drinks that are juice based are high in calories. Although it may seem like it's worth it at the time, the next day you'll be filled with regret -- and a whole lot more calories. A 1.5-ounce serving of rum has 77 calories and 8 grams of carbs, while a 1.5 serving of gin comes in at 119 calories. Vodka, Tequila Cognac and Whiskey are all about 104 calories per 1.5 ounce serving.
That's before you ever add in the mixers, which are usually chock full of calories and sugar. For those who prefer to stick with liquor drinks, opt for no-calorie mixers such as diet soda or diet tonic water. Beer isn't much better. A 12-ounce beer will set you back at least 120 calories, while a liquor drink may cost you 90 to 100 calories per 1.5 ounces. When mixed with soda or juice, that tally increases even more. In addition to the calorie count, there's also the fact that alcohol reduces your inhibitions. You'll be more likely to indulge in unhealthy foods that aren't part of your healthy eating plan. If you do plan on enjoying a few libations, factor them into your calorie budget for the day. You'll be less likely to overdo it.
