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Alcohol Calories
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Here's an ounce to ounce alcohol calories comparison. See how the calories in alcohol compare to each other.
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Often, alcohol nutrition facts are cited for a 4-6 ounce portion of wine or a 8 ounce glass of beer. If your wine glass looks more like a fish bowl or you fancy the "yard of beer" glass, your alcohol calories will be much higher.
Take the time to measure water into a glass at home so you'll have an idea of what 4 ounces, 6 ounces, 8 ounces, etc. looks like.
That way, you'll have a better idea of how many ounces (and calories from alcohol) you're consuming when someone pours you a glass of wine, beer, or a cocktail.
Alcohol Calories Carry a Double Whammy
Beside the calories in alcohol, there's the fact that alcohol consumption lowers your inhibitions.
Not only does that drink you're consuming have calories, but it's also making you less conscientious about your diet. You're more likely to eat more than you'd planned when you're drinking.
Its hard enough stone cold sober to pass up the free stuffed cheese sticks (750 calories) and buffalo wings and blue cheese dressing (1100 calories) at the happy hour buffet, but after a few glasses of wine, a few beers, or a few cocktails, you’re lucky to pass up the stale nuts (200 calorie per small handful) and pretzels (110 calories per handful) served at the bar.
Alcohol Nutrition Facts
Alcohol has 7 calories per gram.
For comparison:
- Carbohydrate: 4 calories per gram
- Protein: 4 calories per gram
- Fat: 9 calories per gram
Drinking your excess calories can produce the same amount of weight gain as chewing them.
Think of each can of beer or glass of wine as the calorie equivalent of ~ 2 slices of bread!
Tips on Managing Calories From Alcohol
To decrease your calories from alcohol by 50%: Alternate drinking alcoholic beverages with water, club soda, or diet soda.
At parties, keep a glass in your hand at all times. No one has to know if it's diet soda or rum and coke in your glass! When your hands are "free" you'll likely be "encouraged" to have a drink.
Ask for low calorie / diet mixers where possible.
Decide on your own "alcohol rules." Examples:
- I only drink with dinner (not with cocktails before dinner and with dinner).
- I limit myself to 2 glasses of wine per week.
- I only drink at a party...never at home.
- I only drink on weekends, never on weekdays, and have a 2 drink limit on any given weekend night.
More of My Professional Advice You May Find Useful
More about alcohol calories.
More Food and Beverage Nutrition Facts
Personal Nutrition Guide Home Page.