Many of us, though not all, enjoy our cocktails. I will admit I’m a lover of a vodka (Kettle One to be exact) martini—hold the vermouth, with olives. And it never ceases to amaze me when my patients think that in order to lose weight they must forego all alcoholic beverages.
Yes, too much alcohol equals too many calories and weight gain, along with a long list of health risks. According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, if you choose to drink alcohol, you should do so only in moderation: up to one drink a day for women, and two drinks a day for men. Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a possible decrease in heart disease and stroke.
Examples of one drink include:
• Beer: 12 fluid ounces (355 milliliters)
• Wine: 5 fluid ounces (148 milliliters)
• Distilled spirits (80 proof): 1.5 fluid ounces (44 milliliters)
How can you enjoy a cocktail and not gain weight?
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