Are you on a mission to lose weight? If you’re not careful, alcohol can mess with your efforts. By now, you’ve probably got a handle on the basics – whole grains instead of refined, fruits instead of sweets. Yet, when it comes to booze, the healthier choice isn’t always obvious. A little research goes a long way. For example, if you drink beer, learn which beers are low in calories. It can save you about 50 calories per drink.1
By keeping a mental list, you can order with ease. You can also reach for low-calories mixers and liquors. Cocktail menus often list the ingredients, so you’ll know what’s in each one. There’s also the option of getting a simple, custom drink. Need some inspiration? Check out this list of healthy alcohol options. Once you know the best choices, you’ll never have to ditch happy hour or trivia night ever again.
Healthier Alcoholic Options For Weight Loss
1. Rum Mixed With Club Soda
With the right mixers, rum can be healthy. A 1.5-ounce serving has about 97 calories, but you can keep it that way with a zero-calorie mixer like club soda. Skip the sugary and colorful tropical drinks. For instance, a 1.5-ounce pina colada has 490 calories! 2
2. Gin With Club Soda And Lime
Gin is a smart choice for your waistline. A 1.5-ounce serving has 97 calories,3 and tastes great with nothing more than club soda and lime. Add muddled fruit if you’re craving more flavor.
3. Drink Whiskey Neat Or With Ice Cubes
A 1.5-ounce serving of whiskey also contains roughly 97 calories.4 Drink it neat, or add ice cubes. The extra water will actually open up the flavor.
4. Brandy Is Good In Smaller Portions
Did you know that brandy is distilled wine? It’s full of flavor, so you won’t need any mixers. A 1.5-ounce serving has about 98 calories. If possible, ask for a smaller portion and sip away.
5. Port Wine Or Sparkling Wine Is Good
Red, white, sweet, and vermouth wines can have anywhere from 105 to 165 calories in a drink. Reach for port wine instead, which has 90 calories in a 2-ounce drink.5 Sparkling wine is another great option.
6. Champagne Is Perfect For Celebrations
Skip the wine altogether and drink champagne. This is perfect for celebrations, dinner, or when you just want to wind down. If you like carbonation, reach for champagne instead of adding soda to liquor.
7. Light Beer For The Casual Times
When you’re at a casual restaurant or bar, beer is the name of the game. Again, knowing the light beers will make ordering a breeze. The best choices include Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Amstel Light, Beck’s Premier Light, and Coor’s Light.
Other Tips For Healthy Drinking
Avoid schnapps altogether even though they are low in calories, it is basically liquid sugar. Go for fresh fruit or a splash of juice instead. Avoid Soda And Energy Drinks: Both mixers are packed with sugar. If you must, opt for diet soda. Remember, caffeine plus alcohol is bad news, as the caffeine makes you feel less drunk.
This increases your risk for drinking more.6 Ditch anything frozen. From margaritas to daiquiris, frozen slushie drinks tend to be packed with sugar. Essentially, if it’s bright and colorful, it’s probably not healthy.
If you choose to drink alcohol, do it safely. That’s no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.7 With the right approach, it’s possible to drink with your health in mind.
References
