Drinking alcohol while dieting really depends upon which diet you're following. If your diet forbids alcohol, don't drink it. If alcohol is allowed, choose your drink wisely, because alcohol calories count toward your daily allowance. Keep a glass of ice water on hand to quench your thirst, and sip your drink just for the taste -- that makes the drink last longer. Don't drink enough that you lose your inhibitions, or you could undo all of your hard work with a single late-night pig-out session.
Beer
If beer is your drink of choice, choosing a light variety means drinking about 110 calories per glass as opposed to 149 calories per glass of regular. Steer clear of cream stouts, which can carry almost 200 calories per glass. Some breweries have rolled out beer created specifically for dieters, featuring even fewer calories than light beer, and some are even low in carbohydrates. However, many dedicated beer drinkers find these adulterated brews substandard and are happier just drinking less of their favorite.
Wine
Wine can be a part of a diet if used in moderation. A glass of dry white wine runs about 75 calories, and a red wine is about 80. These are 4-oz. servings, though, so don't fill the glass to the top thinking it's low-calorie. To spread the calories out even further, make a spritzer by diluting the wine with club soda. Be wary of dessert wines, which can carry over 100 calories per glass.
Hard Liquor
Hard liquors are generally low-calorie. The usual suspects like gin, vodka, rum, brandy and tequila are about 65 calories per serving, but keep in mind that a serving is a single ounce -- many shot glasses hold more than that. They are, however, fat- and carb-free, so as long as you practice portion control, you should be okay. Liqueurs are a different story, averaging about 188 calories per serving. Liqueurs are usually high in sugar, which makes them high in carbs, and the creamy varieties are high in fat.
Cocktails
If you prefer your alcohol mixed, be very careful with mixers. Avoid simple syrup and sour mix, and be suspicious of any mixed drink that may have come from a flavored pre-made mix -- these are usually very high in calories and loaded with sugar. Cocktails that use club soda are okay, but juices can add calories. Use diet soda instead of regular soda to save about 150 calories per serving. Beware of white Russians and other cream-based drinks -- a single mudslide contains 820 calories. Substitute skim milk for the cream and share it with a friend. You're better off with cocktails that mix two alcohols instead of alcohol and mixers. A simple martini has only about 110 calories, while a pina colada contains about 312 calories -- the same as a small chocolate sundae.
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