The 13 Worst Alcoholic Drinks Sure to Derail Your Diet
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Apr 14, 2019
- 4 min read
Overview
Alcohol consumption in moderation is not bad. In fact, some research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption is good for the heart and may help us live longer.
Moderate alcohol intake means no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men. High intake of alcohol can have bad effects on your health, including high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease and some types of cancers. It also matters what you drink! Many cocktails are loaded with added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.
1. Margarita
Depending on how it is prepared, margarita is very high in sugar. High sugar consumption has been linked to many disease sincluding obesity. Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. According to the AHA women should limit sugar consumption up to 6 teaspoon and men up to 9 teaspoon.Margarita offers 400 calories per one cup and drinking just 2 cups may meet your daily energy needs. So it is better to stay away from margarita unless it is made from fresh lime with low calories count.
2. Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Tea can have more calories than an entire meal. The idea is the portion size of long island iced tea is 12 ounces which more than most cocktails. If you want to order it ask for diet sodas or half portion to keep calories intake under control.
3. White Russian
Made with vodka, Kahlua and cream, a six-ounce White Russian packs about 500 calories and more than an entire day's allowance of saturated fat. kahlua doesnt have tto much alcohol but contains alot of sugar. You can use two-percent milk to save some calories, but the drink won't be as creamy.
4. Slush Cocktails
There is way to know what is on the machine but what you can do is to count sugar! Even frozen drinks made in a blender are usually loaded with sugar to keep them from tasting like water. The best option is to ask for a mixed drink over crushed ice, which will give it a texture similar to that of a frozen drink.
5. Irish Coffee
Made with whipped heavy cream, Irish whiskey and sugar, one serving of Irish Coffee may pack more than 300 calories. Caffeine within 6 hours before bedtime affect sleep. If you must have an Irish coffee, use decaf coffee and substitute reduced-fat milk for cream to cut down on calories and avoid lost sleep.
6. Pina Colada
The piña colada can deliver more than 600 calories . the problem with consuming most calories from a drink is low nutrients availability . Moreover, consuming too much alcohol can cause problems with metabolism and the absorption of nutrients.
7. Eggnog
Eggnogshould be limited to a once-a-year treat. Made with sugar, egg yolk, milk, heavy cream and brandy, rum or bourbon – just one of these festive drinks will increase your saturated fat, cholesterol and calorie intake significantly. Before you even add spirits, some versions pack more than 400 calories per cup. Swap the heavy cream for skim milk and use a natural sugar alternative, such as stevia, to shave calories.
8. Mai Tai
Recipes may vary but in general Mai tai usually consists of different types of rum either light, dark, spiced or coconut liqueur, pineapple juice and orange juice. Too much sugar replace good nutrients.
9. Brandy Alexander
One three-ounce brandy Alexander which is a decadent drink made with brandy, dark creme de cacao, heavy cream and grated nutmeg contains about 300 calories and seven grams of saturated fat. According to the AHA no more than 7% of total calories should come from saturated fatty acids. For a skinnier drink, substitute two-percent milk for heavy cream. The finished product will be thinner but better for you.
10. Amaretto Sour
Any drink made with sour mix should be avoided as they typically include tons of sugars, preservatives and color additives. Add that to an already syrupy sweet liqueur like amaretto and you've got a dessert, not a beverage. A six-ounce amaretto sour can have more than 400 calories. If you can't abstain, be sure to have only one and make it with fresh lime juice instead of sour mix and a dash of simple syrup, honey or agave for sweetness.
11. Beer
Beers can vary by hundreds of calories, for instance MGD 64 and Budweiser Select 55 are some of the lowest calorie beers, with 64 and 55 calories per bottle, respectively. Other beers, however, can total more than 300 to 400 calories a serving. And the worst offenders aren't obvious: an India pale ale, for example, typically has more calories than a Guinness. Keep it healthy by having one and choose a brew with a low alcohol-by-volume (ABV) percentage; more alcohol means more calories.
12. Energy Drinks and Alcohol
That's a stimulant (caffeine) mixed with a depressant (alcohol), all in one sugar-laden package destined to leave you mentally and physically drained. A study found that drinking alcohol mixed with an energy drink is worse for you than drinking alcohol alone and that the combination increases the risks associated with alcohol intake.
13. Daiquiri
A traditional daiquiri is a chilled mixture of rum, a little lime juice and a dash of simple syrup served in a cocktail glass. Modern manifestations especially ready-to-drink mixes can be much richer in sugar, some of it in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. It is better to stick to the traditional recipe and using fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Everything in Moderation
Moderate alcohol consumption can still fit into healthy lifestyle if you are responsible about your alcohol intake. Alcohol can be dangerous if you have emotional stress or depression, taking medications or having a family history of alcohol. Many alcoholic drinks are loaded with sugar and calories and cannot fit into your diet as they add weight to your waistline. Everything start with a small conversation with your doctor to stay on the safe side.
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