Calories from beer, wine and hard liquor -- scotch, vodka and gin -- are considered discretionary calories. These are the extra calories you have left over to spend after you eat a healthy daily diet. However, the USDA states that the calories in alcohol can quickly add up.
Calorie Range
The number of calories in your favorite alcoholic beverage can vary widely, depending on your choice. According to the University of Rochester, a 1.5-oz. shot of liquor has between 115 and 200 calories compared to a 4-oz. glass of wine, which has between 62 and 160. Light beer may not be as light as you think; depending on the brand you choose, a 12-oz. can may have 100 calories or more. The same serving of regular beer has between 140 and 200 calories. The university indicates that mixed drinks are especially calorie-heavy, ranging from 280 for a gin and tonic to 800 for a frozen alcoholic drink.
Discretionary Calories
Alcohol, as well as sugary and fatty foods, gives you your discretionary calories -- those you don't get from a healthy diet. The USDA states that you should get most of your calories from the foods that provide essential nutrients. If you're sedentary, you only have from 100 to 300 discretionary calories at your disposal each day and that's true only if you eat foods with no added fat and sugar.
Other Tips
Save some of your daily discretionary calories if you plan to have drinks. But don't skip meals so you can go on a weekend bender, cautions the University of Rochester. Ask the bartender to make your drink with low- or no-calorie mixers, such as diet soda. Make wine and beer into spritzers and shandies to make them last longer. And remember to eat a meal before you drink alcohol. Alcohol can lower your blood sugar levels and make you crave food.
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