A gram of alcohol contains seven calories. That's only two fewer calories than a gram of fat, and those unneeded calories aren't the only way alcohol can wreck your diet. The liver converts most of the alcohol you consume into acetate. Acetate replaces fat as a source of fuel for the body, reducing the amount of fat your body burns and often leading to the famous "beer gut." For these reasons, some people cut alcohol out of their diet entirely to avoid adding inches to their waistlines. But you don't have to cut alcohol out entirely if you make smart choices.
Mixed Drinks
An ounce of gin, vodka or rum alone won't destroy your diet, but add high-sugar juices, sodas or heavy creams to create a margarita or pina colada, and you might consume a meal's worth of calories or more in a single drink. A 4 oz. margarita, on average, contains 168 calories, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's Alcohol Calorie Calculator, but order a margarita at your local chain restaurant, and the fishbowl it often comes in is far more than 4 oz. Order a mudslide packed with cream, and you might consume more than 500 calories.
Liqueurs
Liqueurs, such as coffee-flavored and other creamy liqueurs, don't need mixers to derail your diet. A single 1.5 oz. serving contains more than 185 calories, on average, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's Alcohol Calorie Calculator. These sweet libations are best left out of your diet.
Beer
A 12 oz. beer, on average, contains 149 calories, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's Alcohol Calorie Calculator. Choosing a light beer will save you about 40 calories on average over a regular one.
Quantity
If you decide to treat yourself to alcohol, the best way to keep your diet on track is to limit yourself to one drink. Even a fairly low-calorie choice, such as white wine, can quickly add up to hundreds of calories if you have three glasses. As your inhibitions lower with each drink, you might also be more likely to make poor food choices, further sabotaging your diet.
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