While on any diet, your primary concern should be to meet your nutritional needs while not feeling overly hungry and still keeping your calorie levels low enough to promote weight loss. Consuming alcohol is generally not considered the best option while pursuing a weight loss diet, but when consumed in moderation, it does not have to sabotage your efforts. However, some cocktails can contain upwards of 1,000 calories. Arm yourself with the knowledge of what ingredients are going into each of your drinks to make the best choices.
Jenny Craig is a diet that focuses on calorie consumption as the best path to weight loss. Unlike some other diets that focus on a low carb or a high protein intake, Jenny Craig promotes the idea that the number of calories you consume is the determining factor in how much weight you lose. Therefore, on this plan, you are still allowed to eat your favorite foods, as long as you stay within the calorie range determined by your current weight and activity level. The calorie levels range from 1200 to 2300 calories a day. When following Jenny Craig, most people eat the meals provided by the program and supplement their diets by eating out occasionally.
Moderation
The official Jenny Craig position is one of moderation. While following the program, you should limit your alcohol intake, but like with every other food, you do not have to give it up entirely. A recommended plan of action is to discuss your favorite alcohol beverages with your consultant, who can help you understand if you should limit this beverage or find an alternative. In terms of alcohol, moderate use means one drink for women and up to two drinks for men, according to the USDA 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Considerations
Although you are allowed to drink alcohol while following Jenny Craig, you should educate yourself about some dieting risks involved. For example, consuming alcohol may lower your willpower, making it more likely for you to "cheat" on your diet. Additionally, alcohol will not fill you up, so you should view it as "empty calories."
Options
Each drink of "hard liquor" consists of 1.5 oz. and about 100 calories. The hard liquors are vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and whiskey. One 12-oz. beer can have anywhere from 60 to 300 or more calories. The real danger often comes with mixers, such as juices, sodas, or creams, which can add hundreds of calories and several grams of sugar. To incorporate alcohol into your diet, consider choosing light beers and mixing a hard liquor with seltzer water and a dash of lemon juice instead of soda or juice.
Member Comments