Anyone trying to lose weight and tone up knows that a calorie deficit is the key – and this means giving up alcoholic beverages, among other things. However, it is still possible to manage without giving them up completely – but of course each drink has a different caloric value, and it is important that you know which of them will interfere with you more during the process.
Many alcoholic beverages are loaded with calories and added sugar, both of which can contribute to obesity and other health problems in the long run. However, there are several options that are "low calorie" which you can enjoy without harming your plans.
Vodka-soda
Vodka with soda is a combination for a drink considered to have a relatively low amount of calories compared to other alcoholic beverages. In one serving (255 ml) there are about 133 calories. You can also add some extra flavor by garnishing the drink with cucumber or mint, or try mixing it with a bit of lemon or lime juice. You can also use flavored carbonated water – but pay attention to the caloric value of the beverage you choose.
White wine
White wine is a relatively versatile drink with many different varieties to enjoy – from Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc to sweet Riesling, and in one glass of white wine (180 ml) there are about 148 calories. For the creative among you, try adding fresh fruit to the wine or mixing it with carbonated water to make yourself a refreshing drink.
Tequila with lime
One shot (42 ml) of tequila with a lime wedge contains 99 calories in total. If drinking tequila is not for you, you can try mixing it with some soda, mint, or coconut water to make a low-calorie cocktail.
Gin and diet tonic
Gin and tonic is a popular drink traditionally prepared by combining gin and tonic water in a glass of ice. However, you can easily reduce the calorie content of the drink by replacing regular tonic water with diet tonic water – a calorie-free alternative. A diet gin and tonic with one shot (42 ml) of gin and about 3 shots (118 ml) of diet tonic water contains about 98 calories in total. You can reduce the calorie content even further by altering the drink ratio, so that it includes more ice and diet tonic water and less gin.
Rum and diet coke
Rum and coke, a drink also known as a Cuba Libre, is a beverage made from combining white rum with Coca-Cola. Replacing regular coke with diet coke or coke zero is a simple solution that can help you cut down on the drink's calories. A 225 ml serving of rum and diet coke contains 135 calories, compared to 200 calories in a regular rum and coke.
Additional tips for reducing calories in your drink
You can easily reduce the calorie content of your favorite drinks in several ways. For starters, make sure to prepare your drinks at home instead of buying pre-made mixers, which usually contain much more sugar and calories.
Also, instead of using high-calorie sugars or syrups, you can enhance the flavor of your favorite drinks with fresh herbs such as rosemary, mint, basil, and lavender.
Additionally, you can choose low-calorie or unsweetened types of mixers such as soda or tonic water. Adjusting the ingredient ratio is also important – try using more ice and soda and less juices and syrups in your drink.