If you thought only cakes were your waistline’s secret enemy, it’s time to take a sobering look at your glass. Alcoholic drinks may be quietly derailing your diet far more efficiently than any pastry ever could.
The Sneaky Calories in Alcohol: Why Your Drink Packs a Punch
Alcohol, especially strong spirits like gin, whisky, and rum, isn’t just high in festive spirit—it’s overflowing with calories. Made up of both sugar and ethanol (that’s the stuff that gets you lively at parties), alcohol is extremely calorific. Dietitian-nutritionist Alexandra Retion, author of « What Are We Eating? », explains that a single gram of alcohol contains 7 kcal. To give you an idea, a gram of fat contains 9 kcal. So alcohol isn’t exactly far behind in the calorie race.
If you were hoping for some redeeming nutritional features in your glass, we have bad news. Alcohol is a source of empty calories: it gives you energy, yes, but no actual nutrients your body needs. Sure, wine contains some protective antioxidants (polyphenols), but you can find those elsewhere—think grapes, not just grape juice with a twist.
How Sugary and Strong Drinks Wreak Havoc on Your Waistline
According to Alexandra Retion, the calorie load of your drink spikes thanks to the combination of sugar and ethanol. The stronger the alcohol, the more calorific it gets. And if you throw in soda, extra sugar, fruit juice, or even candy (yes, those decorative delights), you’re sipping on a real calorie bomb. These extras can quickly turn your pleasant drink into a ruthless facilitator of weight gain.
But that’s not all! Aside from the notorious sugar—already well-known for its starring role in obesity—alcohol also has a sneaky side effect: it boosts your appetite and encourages fat storage. Retion explains that our bodies prioritize burning the calories from alcohol first, so all those other energy sources (especially fats) get tossed into storage, mainly around the belly. Cheers to that, right?
Alcohol and Dieting: Is Abstinence the Only Way Out?
Dieters, brace yourselves. Even modest alcohol consumption can tip the scales against your weight-loss efforts with alarming speed. But Retion doesn’t call for an outright ban on alcohol, even when you’re in diet mode. In fact, embracing restrictive diets often leads to frustration and setbacks. The key, as she advises, is balance: treat yourself with moderation while compensating with your overall daily intake to maintain dietary equilibrium.
Planning an evening with friends or a little aperitif? Don’t automatically reach for fruit juice or a mocktail—they can be just as heavy on calories, if not worse! Instead, think ahead and dial back on sugar throughout the day: skip dessert, maybe forgo a sweet snack. That way, you’re still able to enjoy your social drink without handing your diet a one-way ticket to nowhere.
Which Drinks Are the Worst Offenders—and What Should You Drink Instead?
If you want to dial down the damage, choose lighter alcoholic drinks like wine or cider and skip the cocktails crammed with added sugar. Retion recommends a simple approach:
- Sip slowly and savor each glass, rather than knocking back multiple rounds.
- Enjoy your glass of champagne or wine guilt-free, but resist the temptation for “just one more.”
- If you love a good glass of wine, don’t deprive yourself entirely—just don’t keep refilling it.
So next time you’re at a party or a dinner, remember: it’s not always the dessert sabotaging your diet plans, but sometimes what’s sparkling in your glass. Drink mindfully—and your waistline will quietly thank you.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
