When trying to lose some weight, many of us wonder if we can still enjoy a tipple without sabotaging our goals. The short answer is yes, you can drink alcohol and still lose weight, but it requires a bit of strategy and mindfulness if you want to stay on track.

Understanding Calories in Alcohol

First things first, it’s essential to understand that alcohol is calorie-dense. A gram of alcohol contains 7 calories, almost as much as fat, which has 9 calories per gram. This means that a single pint of beer or a glass of wine can add up quickly in terms of calories.

Choose Your Drinks Wisely

Not all alcoholic beverages are created equal when it comes to calories. Here’s a quick guide to some common drinks:

Beer: A pint of regular beer can have around 200 calories.
Wine: A standard glass of wine (175ml) contains about 120-130 calories.
Spirits: Clear spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila tend to be lower in calories, approximately 97 calories per “single” measure (25 to 35 ml / 1.5 ounce), but it’s the mixers that can cause trouble.
Cocktails: Mixed drinks and cocktails can be calorie bombs, with some containing over 500 calories due to added sugars and syrups.

To keep the calories in check, opt for light beers, dry wines, and spirits mixed with low-calorie or no-calorie mixers like soda water or diet tonic.

Be Mindful of Drinking Habits

Drinking can lower inhibitions, leading to poor food choices. How often have you reached for a late-night kebab or pizza after a night out? To avoid this, plan your meals and snacks ahead of time and keep healthy options on hand.

Balance Your Caloric Intake

If you know you’ll be drinking, try to balance your calorie intake throughout the day. Opt for lower-calorie meals and snacks, rich in protein and fibre to keep you full. Remember, weight loss ultimately comes down to a calorie deficit – burning more calories than you consume.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Alcohol is dehydrating, and sometimes our bodies can confuse thirst with hunger. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. A good rule of thumb is to have one glass of water for every alcoholic drink.

Listen to Your Body

Everyone’s body reacts differently to alcohol. Pay attention to how it affects your weight loss progress and adjust accordingly. Some might find they need to cut back more than others to see results.

So, yes, you can enjoy a drink and still lose weight, but it’s all about making smart choices and staying mindful of your overall calorie intake. By choosing lower-calorie drinks, practising moderation, balancing your diet, and staying active, you can have your glass of wine and sip it too. Right, I am off out for a pint of Guinness!