According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcoholic beverages are typically high in calories, but lack very few nutrients. Individuals who drink large amounts of alcohol may eventually begin to gain weight due to the extra caloric intake.
Types
Alcoholic drinks include beer, wine and distilled liquors. The NIAAA reports that the serving size for one beer is 12 fluid ounces, while wine is 5 fluid ounces and liquor is 1 fluid ounce. There are approximately 140 calories in a regular beer, and most wines and liquors contain approximately 100 calories per serving.
Considerations
According to the NIAAA, many sweet wines can have up to 150 calories per serving. In addition, many cocktails are made from a mix of juice or soda and a serving of liquor. This can increase the caloric total to an average of 180 calories per serving for cocktails such as those made with rum or vodka.
Expert Insight
The NIAAA notes that individuals wishing to control calorie intake should track their alcohol consumption and attempt to select lower-calorie beverages such as wine or mix drinks prepared with calorie-free mixers. Regular exercise and physical activity can also help offset calories consumed when drinking.
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