As a Dietitian I am asked on almost a daily basis what is the best alcohol to drink to prevent weight gain? Is Red Wine better than White? Does Low Carb Beer have less calories than full strength? So here is the low down on the calorie load of your favourite drinks…

Wine

Red Wine, White Wine and Champagne all have similar calorie content at approx. 120 calories per 160ml. Yes, Red Wine does have higher levels of antioxidants than White due to the skin and seeds of Red Wine being used in the fermentation process but that will have no effect on your waist line. If you are thinking of burning those calorie off the next day you would need to run for 20 min per glass of wine or brisk walk for 40 min.

Beer

Low Carb, Lite, Mid Strength and now No Carb Beer, the options are endless but is there any significant difference in the calorie content? The answer is no. Full Strength Beer has approx. 135cal per 375ml, low carb, no carb, mid strength and lite have between 110-95 calories for the same volume. That is a saving of only 20-25 cal per drink. That’s equal to 2 Maltese’s or 4 Peanuts.

Cocktails

Most non creamy cocktails average 200-300 calories per drink depending on the sugar syrups added and the soft drink base. The calorie bomb goes to a Pina Colada at 600 plus calories. That’s lunch and dinner in a glass.

An the winner is…

30ml nip Vodka in tall glass with soda water, fresh lime, lemon and mint. It contains only 64 cal and just as important the Soda Water helps you to stay hydrated.

Cheers!