Most of us enjoy a drink on a Friday night to wind down and relax with friends, but is your drinking causing you to gain weight? We investigate what you’re drinking and if you need to cut back...
Gram for gram, alcohol is up there in the energy rankings. One gram of alcohol provides seven calories, but provides no nutrients what so ever. This compares to four calories for carbohydrate and protein, and nine calories for fat. So alcohol can be a large contributor to weight gain in those that enjoy a big night out each weekend.
As well as its high energy content, alcohol also lowers willpower and increases appetite. This combination means that nearly always we’ll chose poor food choices and eat more.
However, what you choose to drink does make a difference. RTD’s are nearly always high in sugar, and correspondingly high in energy, whilst mixing spirits with diet soft drink saves a lot of energy.
Another point to note is that binge drinking is not healthy. So how much is ok? Guidelines for women are to have no more than 14 standard drinks per week. But this doesn’t mean 14 all in one go! In any one occasion you should have no more than 4 standard drinks. And this is standard drink’s – not glasses! If you have four glasses of double shot vodka then this equates to eight standard drinks.
Check out the stats below to see what your drink is costing you.
RTD Bacardi Breezer, lemon
275ml = 173 calories
Food equivalent: One thin base slice of Pizza Hut Meatlovers Pizza
Walking time required to burn off drink: 46 minutes
Jim Beam Black Label Can
375ml = 300 calories
Food equivalent: One Moro bar
Walking time required to burn off drink: 1 hour, 19 mminutes
Baileys
30ml nip = 105 calories
Food equivalent: 1 double coat Tim Tam
Walking time required to burn off drink: 28 minutes
Vodka and Diet Coke
30ml vodka and 250ml juice = 155 calories
Food equivalent: Two Freddo Frogs
Walking time required to burn off drink: 41 minutes
Glass white wine
160ml = 127 calories
Food equivalent: One slice toast with one teaspoon peanut butter
Walking time required to burn off drink: 34 minutes
Beer (4.9% alcohol)
375ml = 135 calories
Food equivalent: Two fun size Time Out bars
Walking time required to burn off drink: 36 minutes
The key to being healthy when drinking is to not overdo it.Follow the guidelines and don’t binge drink.You won’t miss the hangovers and your waistline will be healthier for it!
Gram for gram, alcohol is up there in the energy rankings. One gram of alcohol provides seven calories, but provides no nutrients what so ever. This compares to four calories for carbohydrate and protein, and nine calories for fat.
Another point to note is that binge drinking is not healthy. So how much is ok? Guidelines for women are to have no more than 14 standard drinks per week. But this doesn’t mean 14 all in one go! In any one occasion you should have no more than 4 standard drinks. 
Glass white wine