Who hasn't been there. You've done so well on your diet all week long, eating healthy breakfasts and small meals all day, always with a side of water. But now it's Friday, and you're looking forward to having a drink. But what can you have that won't ruin all the good work you've done?
Plenty. Some liquors are made with very little to no calories. Mixed with the right wash these drinks can be delicious and not interfere with your regimen. In recent years, many beers have been designed for those watching their waste line and are even marketed to those living active lifestyles.
Low-Cal Liquors
In basic liquors like vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum, the alcohol content determines the calories count. One shot of 80 proof (40% alcohol) vodka has 73 calories, compared to 82 calories of 100 proof. You'll find the lowest calories in an ounce of 80 proof Gin, Tequila, Rum, and Brandy with a count of 64 calories. A summary of the calorie counts of these liquors include:
- 1 oz. 80 proof Gin - 64 calories
- 1 oz. 80 proof Vodka - 73 calories
- 1 oz. 80 proof Tequila - 64 calories
- 1 oz. 80 proof Whiskey or Scotch - 73 calories
- 1 oz. 80 proof Rum - 64 calories
- 1 oz. 80 proof Brandy - 64 calories
- 1 oz. 86 proof Gin - 70 calories
- 1 oz. 100 proof Vodka - 82 calories
- 1 oz. 100 proof Tequila - 73 calories
- 1 oz. 100 proof Whiskey or Scotch - 82 calories
- 1 oz. 100 proof Rum - 82 calories
- 1 oz. 100 proof Brandy - 82 calories
Healthier Washes
Just because it says healthier, does not equal healthy. Diet soda will drop the calorie count of any drink down since it has zero calories, but sweeteners like aspartame are actually detrimental to your health and weight loss. Better options include light fruit juices, like cranberry, orange or pineapple, or club soda. Syrups are also available and come in several flavors, so ask your local barkeep what they have available. The best way to avoid added calories from wash is to nix it all together and order your drink "straight up" or "on the rocks."
Some of the best options for low calorie washes include:
- Diet soda or diet tonic: 0 calories
- 8 oz. Club Soda - 0 calories
- 8 oz. Light orange juice - 50 calories
- 8 oz Light Cranberry Juice - 40 calories
- 8 oz. Crystal Light lemonade - 5 calories
- 1 tsp. Lemon/Lime Juice - 10 calories
- 8 oz. Unsweetened Tea - 0 calories
- 8 oz. Tomato Juice - 41 calories
- 8 oz. Ginger Ale - 90 calories
Low Calorie/Low Carb Beers
The list of low calorie and low carb beers keeps getting longer and longer. The bad news is, it becomes hard to take it seriously. The good news is that many of these beers do give you a low calorie option to the full brewed, higher calorie alternative.
Some of the best beers for dieters are:
- Molson Light - 23 calories
- MGD 64 - 64 calories
- Beck's Premier Light - 64 calories
- Michelob Ultra - 95 calories
- Amstel Light - 95 calories
Wines
The calorie content in wines can differ depending on flavor as well as color. White wine has slightly less calories than red. For most wines, the calorie content stays right around 100 calories for a 4 oz. glass. There are some exceptions however. Avoid Muscatel, Port (both white and red) and Tokay, which have a calorie count averaging around 170.
No matter what your choice, your diet does not have to be ruined by a night on the town. Always remember that moderation is the key. Know your limits, and have a designated driver.
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