When it comes to weight loss, alcohol is often considered a forbidden beverage. However, not all alcoholic beverages are created equal when it comes to calorie count and sugar content.
If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet, there are certain types of alcohol that are more suitable for you than others.
In this article, we will discuss the most appropriate alcohol types to drink if you’re on a diet.
Sugar Content of Different Types of Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can be high in sugar, which can add to your daily calorie intake. It’s important to note that not all alcohol contains the same amount of sugar. Some alcoholic drinks are higher in sugar than others, which can affect your calorie count and potentially hinder your weight loss goals.
Wine, beer, and sweet mixed drinks tend to be the highest in sugar. These types of alcohol can contain anywhere from 7 to 20 grams of sugar per serving. For example, a 5-ounce glass of wine can contain up to 5 grams of sugar, while a 12-ounce beer can contain up to 10 grams of sugar. Sweet mixed drinks like margaritas and daiquiris can contain up to 20 grams of sugar per serving.
On the other hand, spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey tend to be lower in sugar. They typically contain less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. This makes them a better choice for those who are looking to cut back on their sugar intake and watch their calorie count.
Most Suitable Alcohol Types for a Low-Calorie Diet
If you’re looking for a low-calorie alcoholic beverage, there are certain types of alcohol that are more suitable than others. Here are some of the best alcohol types to choose if you’re on a diet:
Vodka
Vodka is a popular choice for those who are watching their calorie intake. It is one of the lowest-calorie spirits, with around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce serving. Vodka is also low in sugar, with less than 1 gram per serving. When mixed with soda water or diet soda, vodka makes for a refreshing and low-calorie drink.
Gin
Gin is another low-calorie spirit, with around 110 calories per 1.5-ounce serving. It is also low in sugar, with less than 1 gram per serving. Gin and tonic is a classic drink that can be made with diet tonic water to make it even lower in calories.
Whiskey
Whiskey is a popular choice for those who enjoy the flavor of a good bourbon or scotch. It has around 105 calories per 1.5-ounce serving and is low in sugar, with less than 1 gram per serving. Whiskey can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, or mixed with diet soda or water for a low-calorie option.
Tequila
Tequila is a spirit that is often associated with margaritas and other sweet mixed drinks. However, tequila on its own is a good option for those who are watching their calorie intake. It has around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce serving and is low in sugar, with less than 1 gram per serving. Tequila can be enjoyed on the rocks or mixed with soda water and lime juice for a low-calorie drink.
Light Beer
If you’re a beer drinker, choosing a light beer can help you cut down on your calorie intake. Light beers typically have around 100 calories per 12-ounce serving, which is lower than regular beer. They also tend to have less sugar than regular beer, making them a better option for those who are watching their sugar intake.
When it comes to choosing the most appropriate alcohol types for a low-calorie diet, it’s important to pay attention to the sugar content as well as the calorie count. Choosing low-sugar options like vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila can help you cut down on your sugar intake while still enjoying a drink. Light beer is also a good option for beer drinkers who are watching their calorie intake.
4 Tips for Enjoying Alcohol on a Diet
If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet, it’s important to enjoy alcohol in moderation. Here are some tips for enjoying alcohol on a diet:
- Stick to one or two drinks per occasion – Drinking too much alcohol can lead to overconsumption of calories and potentially hinder your weight loss goals. Stick to one or two drinks per occasion and savor them slowly.
- Choose low-calorie mixers – Mixing your alcohol with soda water or diet soda can help you cut down on your calorie intake. Avoid sugary mixers like fruit juice or syrups.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water – Drinking water in between alcoholic drinks can help you stay hydrated and pace yourself.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach – Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to overconsumption of alcohol and potential weight gain. Eat a healthy meal before drinking to help absorb the alcohol and slow down your drinking.
In conclusion, choosing the most appropriate alcohol types for a low-calorie diet is important for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. Opting for low-sugar options like vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila can help you cut down on your sugar intake while still enjoying a drink. Remember to enjoy alcohol in moderation and make wise choices when it comes to mixers and portion sizes.
