Healthy Dieting

Some Sobering Statistics On Alcohol And Dieting

July 31st, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

A beer Belly is nothing to be laughed at, even the recent ad campaign “belly’s gonna getya” is not at all funny when you consider the fatel and dire consequences of alcohol on dieting.

There is however, a new take on the issue and research on using artificial sweeteners in mixed drinks demonstrates that it may not help with dieting, but it probably will make a person feel drunk quicker.

Based on studies, the stomach contents of drinks mixed with artificial sweeteners were emptied in about 15 minutes. Those mixed with sugar took just over 21 minutes and showed the blood-alcohol concentration was higher in persons drinking drinks made with artificial sweeteners than those whose drinks were mixed with sugar. While studies of alcohol and dieting are relatively new, the inclusion of calories in alcohol is well documented.

One of the more popular light beers, for example has 109 calories per 12-ounce serving while the calories in a regular beer averages about 145. When considering alcohol and dieting, a four ounce glass of wine will average about 100 calories and an ounce of hard liquor will harbor over 100 calories.

Some additives to mixed drinks add significantly to the calories count such as Tequila Sunrise, which will have 200 calories in five ounces where a jigger of tequila will have 115 and a four ounce whiskey sour will have 170, compared to a jigger of 100 proof whiskey at 125 calories.

Alcohol May Boost Diet Motivation

In theory, with the caloric content known for alcoholic products, alcohol and dieting are not consistent with weight loss. While there is no real harm in limited alcohol intake while dieting, and it has been known to affect a person’s motivation to lose weight, or to increase their acceptance of their current weight, moderation is alcohol intake is strongly recommended.

Mixing alcohol with diet drinks may be lower in calories, and with the increase in time in which it enters the blood stream, it may reduce the number of drinks being consumed. This mixture of alcohol and dieting may keep a person from overindulging, helping to reduce the number of calories taken in through the alcohol.

If you are going to mix your alcohol and dieting objectives,then you should think about the fact that the calories in the beverage should be included in your daily caloric intake, as part of their diet plan. By keeping the calorie count down to the level indicated by their diet, moderately consuming alcohol should not disrupt the diet plans. However, excess alcohol can lead to excess calories which not replace food as the primary source.