Trying to lose weight?
It might be wise to avoid alcohol. Besides adding empty calories,
even moderate doses of alcohol might promote increased food intake,
says Dr. Robert H. Eckel, chairman of the American Heart
Association’s scientific council on nutrition, physical activity
and metabolism, and professor of medicine at the University of
Colorado’s Health Sciences Center in Aurora, Colo. Also, he notes,
“because alcohol can partially block fat oxidation, it might be
associated with fat storage.”
Some beverages are less fattening than others. Here are various
calorie counts from www.nutritiondata.com.
* Vodka (1.5 oz): 96
* Rum (1.5 oz): 96
* Whiskey (1.5 oz): 105
* Light Beer (12 oz): 108
* White wine (5 oz): 120
* Red wine (5 oz): 125
* Beer (12 oz): 156
* Pina colada (9 oz): 490
Another consideration: The soda or fruit juice in a mixed
drink might have more calories than the alcohol in the
beverage.