ALCOHOL FACTS
Alcohol and Calories
Did you know that each drink contains ‘empty’ calories, which actually have no nutritional value?
How many calories are in your drink? As a rough guide, each unit of alcohol contains about 100 calories, but when you add in the other processes used to make a drink and any mixers, they do vary. A small gin and tonic = 128 calories, while a small dark rum and coke = 141 calories. Darker spirits or wines have more calories than lighter ones. So while a small glass of white burgundy comes to 100 calories, a small red Bordeaux comes to 110.
Its easy to forget that your alcohol intake also includes calories and these add to weight gain, especially if you’re also snacking with your drinks, or eating fried food on the way home from the pub. The healthy option is to eat a healthy meal before or with your drinks and pace yourself.
To reduce the chances of gaining weight from drinking alcohol:
- Alternate an alcoholic drink with a glass of water – this will help to prevent you becoming dehydrated.
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach. If you do reach for snacks while drinking, opt for a healthier option – choose a sandwich instead of crisps or chips
- Eat a healthy dinner before you start drinking.
- Pace yourself by taking small sips.