Some people like to latch on to tidbits of information that may or may not be true and use it in times of need. For example, a glass of red wine at dinner is healthy for the heart, and eating dark chocolate is beneficial. According to a 2018 meta-analysis, the few positive effects of alcohol were canceled out by the fact that alcohol increases the risk of cancer, accidents, and communicable disease. A separate study in 2022 found that alcohol increased the risk of hypertension and heart disease. That means the answer on whether or not alcohol is healthy for you, even in moderation, may vary depending on whom you ask.
Increasing the risk of certain diseases aside, imbibing is not conducive to your weight loss efforts. Alcohol consumption impacts your metabolism and can make weight loss more challenging. Additionally, drinking alcohol can impair your decision to make healthy food choices. You typically go for greasy, fatty, and carbohydrate-rich foods when you are intoxicated or buzzed. One study found that the more alcohol you consume, the more likely you are to make poor food choices.
Alcohol is also a source of empty calories, providing zero nutrients for your body. Not only does alcohol increase the amount of calories you consume, but it also causes you to accumulate water weight. You definitely do not want this if you are watching your waistline or trying to lose weight. It’s best to increase awareness about your drinking and bring to light the worst types of drinks and alcohol, if you are on the weight loss path. Continue reading to learn more about them.
Sugary Cocktails
Piña coladas, daiquiris, margaritas, or alcoholic slushies may go down easy, but they contain a lot of calories. More often than not, an eight-ounce serving of your average sugary cocktail contains about 500 calories. A typical frozen margarita comes near the 600 calorie mark per serving! That’s more calories than a double cheeseburger from McDonalds, according to the Cleveland Health Clinic. Chances are that if it tastes sweet then you are piling on the calories and may experience blood sugar spikes.
Craft Beer
Now, some beer only contains 96 or 100 calories per 12 ounces, but this isn’t always the case. Craft beer, specifically, tends to have a higher alcohol content and more calories than most name brand popular beers. A 12-ounce serving of craft beer tends to amount to 170 calories, or somewhere in that neighborhood. Craft beers tend to have extra ingredients and carbohydrates, which is why they tend to have more flavor. Plus, the higher the alcohol content, the more calories you consume.
Alcohol Mixed With Energy Drinks
Some people say that alcohol and energy drinks are the only way to go. The alcohol brings you down while the energy drink keeps you going. This is because alcohol is a depressant and an energy drink is a stimulant. Several studies found that it is a lot more dangerous to drink alcohol with an energy drink than it is to drink alcohol by itself. Even organic, natural energy drinks can be a problem.
Whiskey Cokes
You don’t have to drink a frozen, fruity, beach cocktail to interfere with your weight loss goals. Mixing a simple liquor with your favorite soda can increase your caloric intake dramatically. Clear liquor tends to contain 70 calories per ounce, but mixing in lemonade, sugary sodas, and other sweetened beverages can rack up some serious calories. If you want to cut back on some calories, try to mix your favorite liquor with soda water or a splash of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.
