Alcohol causes you to gain weight, therefore you usually stay away from it (just look at that beer belly!) However, you can occasionally drink some low-calorie alcohol that helps with weight loss. Find out which are the top ten alcoholic beverages to have when on a diet, how much to drink, which alcoholic beverages to avoid since they contribute to weight gain, and other advice to remember when you are out drinking.
1. Vodka Soda:
A vodka soda is generally a low-calorie drink. A standard 1.5-ounce (44 ml) shot of vodka contains around 97 calories. When you mix it with soda water, which is calorie-free, the overall calorie content remains mostly from the vodka. Just keep in mind that adding flavored or sugary mixers can bump up the calorie count.
2. Light Beer:
A light beer instead of the standard item because, depending on the brand, a 12-ounce pour only has 90–100 calories. According to Gorin, it's a great method to still enjoy beer without having the same density as a typical beverage.
The Budweiser Select 55 has the lowest calorie and carb count, according to Gomer. “It’s also a larger portion compared to other drinks, so nursing two all night is a great strategy,” she says.
3. Dry Wine:
Opting for a dry wine like Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc is a smart choice if you're watching your calorie intake. These wines tend to have fewer residual sugars, keeping the calorie count in check. Plus, they're delicious options for a lighter sip! Cheers to making healthier choices without sacrificing flavor.
4. Tequila with Fresh Lime Juice:
Keep it simple with tequila and fresh lime juice for a tasty, low-calorie option.
A traditional and cooling pairing is tequila and fresh lime juice. The tequila's strength and the lime's acidity go really well together. It's a straightforward yet tasty combination, whether you like it on the rocks or in a margarita.
5. Gin and Tonic:
Use a sugar-free tonic water to keep the calorie count down.
6. Whiskey on the Rocks
Enjoy the bold flavors of whiskey without the added calories from mixers.:- Whiskey is a traditional choice served neat. The combination of the ice's coolness and the whiskey's thick, smoky flavor is ageless. It's difficult to go wrong with this understated yet elegant pick, whether you're sipping it carefully to appreciate the complexity or having it as a soothing beverage after a hard day.
7. Light Mojito:
For a reduced calorie option, make a mojito with less sugar or a sugar substitute.Here's a recipe for a lower calorie mojito:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar substitute (like Stevia or Erythritol)
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
8. Skinny Margarita:
Mix tequila, fresh lime juice, A skinny margarita is a lighter version of the classic margarita, typically made with fewer calories and less sugar. Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- Optional: a splash of soda water
- Ice
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine the tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake well to chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Optional: Add a splash of soda water to the glass and gently stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
9. Rum and Diet Coke:
Choosing diet cola as a mixer is a smart move if you're looking to enjoy a rum and Coke while keeping an eye on your calorie intake. The diet version gives you the same classic flavor without all the added sugar.
10. Paloma:
A grapefruit and lime juice concoction, this tart pink beverage has less calories than a margarita. On the other hand, Gomer points out that if you have more of these drinks, the calories and carbohydrates can quickly mount up. To minimize extra calories and carbohydrates, Mezher suggests that instead of using grapefruit soda, which is what most palomas are usually made with, try squeezing a fresh grapefruit or grapefruit seltzer.
Best alcoholic drinks for weight loss
It might seem like drinking is hurting your chances of having that beach body. Don't worry, though; maintaining a healthy weight doesn't always require giving up alcohol.
Enjoy some of these 100-calorie options instead of reaching for sugar- or calorie-laden drinks:
1. Vodka
Calories: 100 calories in 1.5 ounces of distilled 80-proof vodka
Alternative cocktail: Choose low-calories mixers such as club soda and avoid overly sugary juices.
2. Whiskey
Calories: 100 calories in 1.5 ounces of 86-proof whiskey
Alternative cocktail: Ditch the cola and take your whiskey on the rocks for a low-calorie alternative.
3. Gin
Calories: 115 calories in 1.5 ounces of 90-proof gin
Alternative cocktail: Aim for something simple, such as a martini — and don’t skip the olives, they contain beneficial antioxidants such as vitamin E.
4. Tequila
Calories: 100 calories in 1.5 ounces of tequila
Alternative cocktail: The best part about tequila is that the customary tequila “shot” is just salt, tequila, and lime.
5. Brandy
Calories: 100 calories in 1.5 ounces of brandy
Alternative cocktail: This drink is best served as an after-dinner digestif and a good brandy should be enjoyed slowly to savor the subtle fruity sweetness.
