A new report about drinking revealed surprising facts about the alcohol consumption habits of Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six people binge drinks about four times per month. On average these drinkers consume eight drinks per binge.
In addition to a wide range of health, economic and social consequences, binge drinking can make weight loss nearly impossible. The calories consumed during one binge could easily total 1000 calories or more. But even moderate drinking can make weight loss difficult.
Calorie Counts for Popular Drinks
Often, dieters count calories that they consume during meals and snacks, but forget to include the calories that they drink. If you're dieting and not losing weight, this could be the cause. Alcoholic drinks can pack a major caloric punch. Even if you drink in moderation, the calories in some of these popular drinks can easily derail your diet.
- Dark Beer: 170 calories or more
- Mojito: 200 calories
- Gin and Tonic: 180 calories
- Margarita (restaurant prepared): 156
Best Options for Dieters
If weight loss is on your agenda this year, think about cutting back or removing alcohol from your diet completely. If you choose to drink, replace one of the higher calorie drinks with a small glass of wine. Four ounces of red wine contains 100 calories and a similar sized glass of white wine contains only 75. Beer makers also provide several lower calorie options. Get calorie counts for more drinks at caloriecount.com
Alcohol is empty calories. But it is a mainstay of our society. When I go out socially, I decline alcohol because of my diet. This eliminates the “holier than thou” fear that so many drinkers fear of someone who doesn’t drink. I like the buzz of booze like everyone, but I like a slender reflection in the mirror more.
Although, I think that reading about ways to lose weight, keep it off, or stay fit and healthy in general in a great thing. The problem I have is most studies done only reflect a small number of people and they truly don’t add up. Plus, everytime you turn around, what you thougth you knew is changing. In my opinion, if it works for you and isn’t adversely affecting your health – do it. If eating off a small plate works for you – do it. If eating fat free works for you – do it. If dancing in your kitchen works for you – do it. No one thing is going to work for everyone and no one thing in moderation is going to make you fat! Life is about choices and yes, moderation. If you want to have a few drinks, it probably won’t change your reflection in the mirror. Life is too short, to read and keep up with every single article and add. I’d be exhausted and broke if I tried everything out there. I take as much of the information I can absorb and I do what works for me and I live a healthy, happy life. And if I do eat an entire bag of cookies and a consume a bottle of wine in one sitting, I get back up and give myself a do-over. Simple!