Almost Angelic Alcohol

We all know that alcohol is pretty much empty calories, but like many of you I enjoy a social drink and enjoy the taste of beer and wine and some spirits. When people are trying to lose weight they often try to avoid going out for dinner or to the pub as it can be hard to limit yourself to just one or two....lets face it how easy is it going to be to say "No thank you mine's a diet coke" before everyone has even arrived. So here are a few tips that I have learned over the years.

Wine: we're probably all aware that wine is considered a lighter alternative to beer or spirits but this is not always the case. Strong reds from hot countries like Riojas or Chianti, which, unfortunately, are both favourites in our house, are going to be higher in calories than their cooler climate cousins.. Of course the higher the alcohol content the higher the calories but the fermenting process for these wines results in a higher sugar and alcohol content. A better option would be a nice Californian Pinot Noir a beautiful Burgandy or even a Chilean Cabernet. Merlot is a bit of an inbetweener but one I generally try to avoid anyway just because I've never tasted one I actually like, so why waste calories drinking something yuck!

With white wine it's a no brainer that dessert wines are gonna be higher in calories...I don't know anyone that drinks dessert wines...but even so this would be a lighter calorie option than tucking into a dessert after a meal out. If you're choosing a bottle of wine as a gift for a dieting friend a good rule is to stay away from these and fortified wines like port, maderia and sherry. Try to avoid late harvest Reisling, Muscats, Noble Rots, but check the labels of most Hungarian and German wines as they tend to be very sweet, . Try to stick with dry white wines.Chablis is heavenly and while Chardonay is currently out of favour, a good unoaked bottle is still rather yummy and my all time favourite Sancerre, tho pricey, is worth the calories and the money. A wine to be sipped and savoured. If you're on a budget well you can't go wrong with a decent Pinot. It's a good hard working white wine, widely available and on the lower calorie end of the scale. Just steer clear of the really cheap stuff of course as this will often have a higher alcohol and sugar content to mask a not so great taste. Champagne is a dry white...so no need to feel guilty if you have something to celebrate! Or if you're on a budget then try a nice Prosecco which will be far superior to a cheap champagne!  ;)

Beer has a bad rep. yeah, some are really bad but they shouldn't all be tarred with the same brush. The calorie content of beer varies wildly, much more so than wine and if you're talking calories per ml Beer is much lower. So called "light beers" are anything but  with a pint of Coors Light coming in at 204 calories compared to a pint of Miller at 186! Bud light comes in at a staggering 227...so forget about light beers and check out some fabulous Bavarian Weiss and Weizen Beers, namely: Erdinger at a saintly 125 cals for a 500ml bottle Schofferhofer (my personal favourite) at 135 cals per 500ml and while Francizkaner and Paulaner are 165 per 500ml that doesn't compare to calorific Heineken (227), Stella (256), Cornona (296) and pretty much anything else available on tap. Guinness sort of hovers in the middle at 210 but at least it doesn't claim to be light!. I have a whole list that I've spent a week compiling so if you want to know the calorie content of your favourite brew let me know.

Not forgetting the cider drinkers out there a pint of Bulmers/Magners clocks up about 210 calories so, the same as a pint of Guinness. While it's not the healthiest option, it's not the worst either and I have it on good authority that Bulmers Light is pretty tasty but comes in at an Angelic 160 cals per pint beating all but Erdinger and Schofferhofer in the beers list.


Spritis can be great for those watching their weight but if you're planning on being out all night its probably best to really pace yourself or start off with something a little less potent! Obviously the best drink options are Bacardi and Diet Coke (57-60 cals) Gin and Slimline Tonic (84 cals) Vodka and Diet Lemonade (60 - 64 cals) even a Southern Comfort and Red Lemonade, which, with its sweet flavour would be considered by some to be a no no, is only 73 calories! A JD and Diet Coke is only 63 so the main thing to think about with spirits is your mixer, keep it diet and slimline and you should be ok... Spritis are a no brainer if you have a bit of self control and deep pockets.

Finally, I'm gonna leave Cocktails well enough alone until I've had time to do some more research and perhaps try some out on a few guinea pigs...I'm sure I won't be short of volunteers. :) Sláinte!

NOTES:

While it's important not to binge drink we have all had more than our RDA at times so be prepared. Even if you are watching you weight don't forgo essential food calories for alcohol calories.  If I know I'm going out for drinks at the weekend I will save 100 - 150 calories a day through-out the week and make sure I eat something substantial before heading out. A Rice dish would be perfect as this swells in your stomach and will slow down the absorbtion of alcohol.