Summer is in full swing, and that means plenty of holidays, long evenings on the terrace with friends and family, as well as plenty of treats and drinks! So at the end of this sunny period, it's no surprise to see a few extra kilos on the scales. That's totally okay, but if you like to stay conscious about keeping your good shape and still want to fit into your favourite jeans in autumn, this blog is for you! Which drinks are best if you want to watch your calories? Which ones are better to avoid? And how can you enjoy all the goodies in a responsible way?
Does alcohol really make you feel better?
First of all: can alcohol really make you gain weight? Yip, unfortunately it does. That 'beer belly' that men are often plagued with is no myth. In women, you tend to see the effects of alcohol less on the belly and more often in places like the hips and buttocks. This is not only because alcohol is high in calories, but also because of a number of other reasons:
Calories in alcohol
Alcoholic drinks are often high in calories. One gram of alcohol contains about 7 calories, which is almost as much as fat (9 calories per gram) and more than carbohydrates or protein (4 calories per gram).
For your information: A standard glass of wine (150 ml) can contain about 125 calories, while a beer (330 ml) contains about 150 calories. Strong drinks such as whisky or vodka often have even more calories per unit volume.
Metabolism
Your body considers alcohol a toxin and prioritises burning it over other nutrients. This means your body will stop burning fat and carbohydrates as long as alcohol is in your system.
Hunger
Alcohol can stimulate your appetite, causing you to eat more than usual. It also inhibits your self-control, making you more likely to make unhealthy food choices.
Sugar
Many alcoholic drinks contain added sugars, especially cocktails and mixed drinks. These extra sugars can add up quickly and contribute to weight gain.
The top 3 alcoholic drinks with the fewest calories
Of course, not all strong drinks contain the same number of calories. We have listed for you the top 3 drinks with the fewest calories and the top 3 with the most calories.
Vodka
Vodka is one of the most low-calorie spirits. A 45ml shot contains about 96 calories. It is pure, with no added sugars or flavourings.
Gin
Gin contains about 110 calories per 45ml shot. Like vodka, it is a pure drink with no added sugars. Gin is often mixed with low-calorie tonics or water, making it a good option for the calorie-conscious drinker.
> These are the 10 most popular gins of 2024
Tequila
Tequila has about 98 calories per 45ml shot. Opt for the pure, clear varieties to avoid unnecessary sugars and calories.
Source: healthline
The alcoholic drinks with the most calories
Liqueurs
Liqueurs such as Baileys, Amaretto and Kahlúa are full of sugar and often contain more than 300 calories per 100 ml. These drinks are delicious but very high in calories
Cocktails
Popular cocktails such as piña colada, margarita and mojito can be high in calories, mainly due to added sugars and mixers. A piña colada, for example, can contain more than 500 calories.
> 5 cocktail recipes to dream away at
> Summer mixology: discover the colourful world of summer cocktails
Dessert wines and Porto
Sweet dessert wines and ports are high in sugar and calories, often exceeding 200 calories per 100ml glass.
> The ultimate porto guide: read all about the different types of porto
Source: healthline
Enjoying responsibly
Alcohol contains quite a few calories, but it is certainly possible to enjoy a glass of spirits without worrying about extra pounds, as long as you choose consciously and drink in moderation. Here are a few tips:
Choose low-calorie mixed drinks
Mix your spirits with low-calorie options such as soda water, light tonic, or plain water with a slice of lemon or lime.
Drink in moderation
Stick to recommended limits, e.g. one drink a day for women and two for men.
Make your own cocktails
If you choose to organise a cosy evening at home instead of going out, you can easily make your own cocktails. This way, you have much more control over the ingredients and calorie count.
Make your own cocktails
Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 50 ml vodka
- 150 ml sparkling water
- Juice of half a lemon
- A few slices of lemon
- Ice cubes
- Optional: a splash of sugar-free syrup for extra flavour
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka and lemon juice.
- Top up the glass with sparkling water.
- Stir well and add the lemon slices.
- Optionally add a splash of sugar-free syrup for extra flavour.
Total calories: About 108 calories
Cucumber Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 150 ml sparkling water
- 4 slices of cucumber
- Juice of half a lime
- Ice cubes
- Optional: a few mint leaves
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add the gin and lime juice.
- Top up the glass with sparkling water.
- Add the slices of cucumber and stir well.
- Garnish with a few mint leaves
Total calories: About 119 calories
Marketing • Blogger
As a creative jack-of-all-trades in the marketing world, I also bring that imaginative flair to my drink choices. Whether on a night out, sunny vacation or social gathering with girlfriends, I'm always in my element with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Cocktails have stolen my heart because of the endless possibilities to experiment and explore. My favorite cocktail of the moment is the "Lazy Red Cheeks"! A delicious cocktail using vodka as a base. I love vodka because it mixes perfectly with non-alcoholic drinks. My favorite spirit? Rum!
