According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, many alcoholic beverages can be quite high in caloric content. Individuals who consume alcohol should be aware that drinking can add extra, often unwanted, calories to the daily diet.
Types
The NIAAA notes that alcoholic beverages fall into one of three main groups: beer, wine or distilled liquors. A serving of beer measures 12 fluid oz., while a glass of wine is 5 fluid oz., and a shot of liquor is 1.5 oz. Unmixed servings of liquor, such as gin, vodka or run, tend to have the fewest calories.
Considerations
Drinkers concerned about caloric intake should be aware that many cocktails are a mixture of juices, sugar syrups, and liquor, and these drinks can contain a great deal of calories. The NIAAA notes that dry white wine, champagne and red wine typically contain an average of 94 calories per serving, so these drinks can also be a low calorie alternative to cocktails and beer.
Expert Insight
The NIAAA suggests that drinkers track their weekly alcohol intake and that individuals try to cut back on drinking large quantities or high calorie drinks if they are on a diet or weight management plan. Individuals can use calorie charts published by the NIAAA to assess there total weekly or monthly alcohol intake.
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