Because alcohol derives from sugar, it should come as no surprise that alcoholic beverages are high in calories. Just how many calories varies from drink to drink. Your choice of liquor vs. beer may make a difference in your weight loss.
Beer And Calories
Different brands and kinds of beer have different caloric content. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides information for a "typical" beer. One can of beer has about 150 calories, which works out to 13 calories per fluid ounce.
Liquor And Calories
A shot of 100-proof liquor has about 125 calories, reports the USDA. That's 80 or so calories per fluid oz. At 80-proof, a shot of liquor has about 100 calories, or 65 calories per fluid oz.
Which Has More?
Beer has more calories per serving, at 150 as compared with the highest-calorie 120 proof liquor. However, liquor has more calories per oz.
References
- "National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference," U.S. Department of Education; 2009
- "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy"; Walter Willett MD, et al; 2006
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