If you’re trying to lose weight and prevent wrinkles, many health experts recommend cutting back on alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can lead to weight gain in several ways. These drinks are considered to be high in unnecessary calories. Specifically, some mixed cocktail drinks contain as many calories as a meal while providing next to no nutrients. Yikes! Plus, drinking alcohol can inebriate you and cause you to make poor food choices.
While you do not have to entirely cut out alcohol, you may need to consume it more mindfully. You should make sure you’re drinking healthier alcoholic beverages. Although cocktails are often seen as healthier than beer because they are generally made with fewer ingredients and contain less alcohol, experts agree that beers are healthier for weight loss than cocktails. Actually, cocktails are considered the worst alcoholic beverage for weight loss.
To learn more about why beer is better than cocktails for weight loss, we spoke with Chareena Pamittan, a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and food blogger. She says that while alcoholic beverages are generally considered to be unfavorable for weight loss, beer is better than cocktails for weight loss because they are made with significantly fewer calories and sugar. Read on to learn more!
Beers Have Fewer Calories And Added Sugars Than Cocktails
First off, we should clarify that alcoholic beverages are generally seen as counteractive in weight loss. This is especially true for heavy drinkers. Pamittan says that, according to a study, drinking alcohol is linked to increased cravings and hunger and can lead to poor food choices—causing weight gain. But, that doesn't mean that you can't drink alcohol at all if you want to lose weight. You just have to be careful about how much you drink, how frequently, and which type of alcoholic beverage you chose. Some popular alcoholic beverages include beer and cocktails.
While beer is often seen as an unhealthy alcoholic beverage because of its gluten-heavy, empty-calorie ingredients like hops and barley, cocktails are actually worse for weight loss. Cocktails, specifically margaritas, are a staple in our society. They're a favorite alcoholic drink because they mask the harsh taste of alcohol with excessive added sugar. Similar to coffee, cocktails are made with sugary syrups to add flavor. Unfortunately, the sugary syrups in cocktails can cause weight gain.
"Beer is better than cocktails for weight loss as they pack less calories and sugar. A typical 330ml beer contains about 145 calories while a drink of cocktail can go higher than 200 calories," Pamittan, who founded FoodzThesis, says. High levels of sugar can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, insulting resistance, and obesity.
"Since beer fills you up more easily than cocktails, you tend to consume [fewer] bottles of beer. In the case of cocktails, you need to drink a lot before you get that drunk feeling, [so] you end up packing a lot more calories than [you do] when drinking beer," she continues. Noted! Just be sure to opt for low-calorie beer options.
As for how much beer you can drink a day if you're trying to lose weight, Pamittan has some suggestions. "Women should have a maximum of one bottle [of beer] while two for men," she recommends. Pamittan also recommends eating before you drink to ensure that you feel full immediately and prevent overeating and drinking. "Aside from that, remember to hydrate always to prevent hangovers," she adds.
The Bottom Line
So, you can still drink alcoholic beverages on a diet—experts just recommend that you drink with caution and with a weight-loss-friendly attitude. Pamittan says that beers are generally considered healthier than cocktails because they're made with fewer calories and added sugars. But, you should still be careful about how many beers you drink to avoid empty calories. Also, experts say you should examine how drinking affects your eating habits. If you notice that you overeat when you drink alcohol, it might be best to limit or completely cut out drinking from your diet.
When it comes to alcohol and weight loss, remember to opt for lower-calorie options like light beer or spirits with calorie-free mixers. And, be careful about portion sizes to avoid excessive drinking. Pamittan also recommends swapping alcoholic beverages like beers and cocktails with non-alcoholic, calorie-free healthier alternatives. Of course, if you really want to lose substantial weight, you need to exercise regularly and prioritize a well-balanced diet which might mean cutting out alcoholic beverages.
