It turns out that all alcohols are not equal when it comes to weight loss and fitness goals. (Thomas Barwick/Getty Images)
- Excessive alcohol consumption is generally incompatible with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Alcohol can hinder progress in both weight loss and muscle-building efforts.
- Local dietician Lila Bruk recommends seven low-calorie drink options to help sustain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on enjoyment.
Consuming alcohol while on a wellness or weight loss journey has long since been frowned upon by fitness fiends and wellness bunnies who have pointed out that not only does alcohol stop the body from burning fat, but it is also a bunch of empty calories.
Research also shows that protein synthesis, or the process of muscle building and recovery, is significantly reduced when alcohol is consumed after a workout.
Not only that, but alcohol generally leaves one dehydrated – this, coupled with a sweaty workout, is a no-no.
While many fitness enthusiasts and people embarking on a weight loss journey know this, not everyone wants to put the bottle down – well, at least not entirely.
So, are there alcoholic drinks which are better for weight loss?
According to registered Johannesburg dietician Lila Bruk, all drinks are not equal in terms of calories. She has shared her top alcoholic drinks, which are all under 170 calories:
Champagne or Sparkling wine (120ml) – 78 calories
Red wine (150ml) – 118 calories
White wine (150ml) – 110 calories
Mulled wine (150ml) – 150 calories
Sangria (150ml) – 120 calories
Whiskey (30ml) – 70 calories
Gin (25ml) and Tonic (150ml) – 140 calories
Vodka (30ml), lime (30ml) and soda – 128 calories
Margarita (250ml – 170 calories
Mojito (150ml) – 150 calories
Bruk shares that one should always be mindful of mixers, which significantly increase a drink’s caloric count. She adds that some of the most popular cocktails among booze-lovers are laden with calories and should be avoided by those who’re watching their weight and waists.
She shares: “Choosing a sugar-free mixer over a regular sugar-containing one can save you approximately 150kcal. It is best to avoid calorie-laden sweet cocktails (e.g. strawberry daiquiris and pina coladas) and cream-based liqueurs – both of which are deceptively high in calories.”
According to the health and wellness enthusiast, the safest bet is to stick to wines, wine spritzers, spirits, and low-cal mixers. Lastly, she advises starting with a couple of non-alcoholic (and low-calorie) drinks. This will keep you hydrated and prevent over drinking, she shares.
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