Bottoms Up - Calories Down

I think the calories in alcoholic beverages are often overlooked by those of us trying to watch what we eat.  As the weekend approaches and I'm making plans to hang out with my friends, I decided to conduct a little research and determine which drinks I can have that will not railroad my goal of trimming 2" off of my waist by my b-day on October 9th.

I'm sure most of you are aware that alcohol has its health benefits.  Alcohol increases your HDL (healthy cholesterol) which helps to clear away bad cholesterol.  This is not of course a reason to over-indulge...doctors recommend just one drink daily.  

So if you plan on raising a glass or two this weekend, here are a few things to bear in mind:

1. Alcohol can increase your appetite for up to 24 hours after you drink.
2. Your body converts alcohol into acetate, which hinders the burning of fat.
3. The higher the alcohol content, the higher the calories.
4. Most beers have less than 150 calories per bottle.  Darker beers are the most fattening.
   
5. White Zin, Chablis and Chardonnays are good bets, all weighing in at less than 100 calories a glass.
6. Consider a spritzer instead of a glass of wine - less alcohol.
   
7. Liqueurs (sweet liquors) such as Kuhlua, Bailey's Irish Creme, and Grand Marnier are loaded with calories.  Avoid cocktails that are mixed with several liqueurs or mixers, such as Long Island Iced Tea, which weighs in at about 780 calories...who knew?!
8. Mojitos and Manhattans are smart choices, with a calorie count in the mid 100's.

Cheers! ...although I may only have ginger ale in my glass after making this entry! :-) 

Be Beautiful.   Be Confident.   Be Unstoppable.