Alcohol Calorie Content

Alcohol probably tastes exotic to some people, but it should be taken into consideration that alcohol is usually high in calorie content. Not only calories, but those calories are empty calories, meaning they provide less or no nutritional supplements to the body, yet mount up the caloric intake. In a single serving of beer, there are about 150 calories. A single serving of light beer has around 110 calories, but such calories are in the form of simple carbohydrates and sugar which will augment the process of weight gain. Beer also lacks carbonation, which is why it is easy to drink beer quickly without getting the feeling of �full�. A six-ounce serving of wine typically has 140-150 calories and its caloric content is in the form of sugars and simple carbohydrates. Wine contains anti-oxidant properties and is very high in calories. People generally consume more than one glass in a sitting. Liquors like rum or vodka which are mixed with other drinks contain about 60 calories for a one-ounce serving. Moreover, depending on the mixer, such types of liquor can serve up to 200 calories with each drink. Scroll further for more information.

Calories In Alcohol

Refer to the table below, to learn more facts about high and low calorie drinks to make a better choice the next time you choose a drink.

The World Cancer Research fund reported that alcohol accounts for approximately 10 per cent of total calorie intake among drinkers. Sugary mixers, for example grenadine, offer lots of calories and sugar, and like other alcoholic beverages will not make you feel �full�, so most likely the person will eat more after having a few drinks and absorb even more calories. Consuming small amounts of alcohol in moderation, will probably not have a huge impact on weight, but remember that alcohol is high in calorie content, and one can pile up kilos even before the blink of an eye!

Empty Calories & Weight Gain
Calories obtained from alcohol are known as �empty calories� because they supply instant energy but lack nutritional value. The body cannot store alcohol and hence tries to metabolize it first. In the process, other metabolic processes come to a standstill as the liver cannot metabolize sugars and fats effectively when the body contains alcohol. This can be a major factor that contributes to weight gain among drinkers.

Alcohol & Food Cravings
The consumption of alcohol increases the tendency to reach out for fatty, fried and unhealthy food. A heath survey conducted in the United Kingdom revealed that drinkers often order unhealthy snacks as an accompaniment to their drinks. This leads to the over consumption of refined carbohydrates that eventually adds on to the calorie intake, resulting in weight gain.

Tips To Avoid Weight Gain

Low-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks
Making smart choices when it comes to alcohol can save you from the dreadful feeling of gaining weight. Instead of choosing high calorie drinks make a conscious effort to opt for drinks with a lesser calorie value. Raise a toast with a low calorie cocktail for a change!

Wine has a lower concentration of calories and moderate consumption of wine has certain health benefits as it lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Choose drinks with dry or white wine, as it contains comparatively lesser calories. Try to avoid whisky, Gin, Brandy and Rum as these contain almost 220 calories per 100 ml. Champagne and beer are comparatively better options.

You may follow a healthy eating plan, but do not ignore the fact that your drinking habit may be the main reason behind you piling on those unwanted kilos around your waist line. Next time you raise a toast, watch what goes down your throat. Ask your bartender to suggest some low calorie drinks instead of the high calorie ones. Choose healthier drinks that contain a lesser percentage of alcohol, make an effort to choose wisely and your efforts will soon reward you.