How Much Will That Alcoholic Drink Cost You This Holiday Season?

Remember the movie Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase where he tried to drown his sorrows with spiked egg nog?  Are you looking to imbibe a little at holiday parties?  How about ringing in the new year with a fancy cocktail?  Just how much will that drink (or drinks) cost you, calorie wise, this year? 

Quite few years ago, Laval University in St.-Foy, Quebec, published a study that indicated consuming alcohol, with its added calories, has no inhibitory effect on food intake but rather can lead to a caloric intake far beyond what the body requires.  In other words, the body "ignores" the calories from alcoholic drinks and "demands" the body consume food calories.  Thus resulting in higher calorie consumption overall.  Uh oh...that doesn't sound good!

Since that study was published, many other studies have been completed...all with conflicting results.  Some say alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, while others found no relationship.  Let's take a look at the basics of alcohol.  Pure alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which is almost double the calories in carbohydrates and protein (4 calories per gram each) and just under the calorie content of fat (9 calories per gram).  Therefore alcoholic beverages contain calories and most of the calories come from the alcohol itself.  Despite what you may have heard, alcohol is NOT a carbohydrate.  Hard liquor is distilled so it contains no carbs.  Beer and wine both contain carbs so calories come from BOTH the alcohol AND the carbohydrates.  Here are some examples of carb contents of different alcoholic beverages:

• Beer, regular (12 fl oz) - 13g
• Beer, light (12 fl oz) - 4.5g
• Guinness (1/2 pint) - 4g
• Wine, red (3.5 fl oz) - 1.75g
• Wine, rose(3.5 fl oz) - 1.5g
• Wine, white (3.5 fl oz) - 1g
• Gin, Rum, Vodka, Whisky (1 fl oz) - 0g
• Sherry (2 fl oz) - 3g
• Port (2 fl oz) - 6g

Now that you know general calorie contents of different alcohols, keep in mind the body will process alcohol first before it processes fat, carbs and protein.  This ultimately will slow down the fat metabolism and could possibly lead to weight gain.  Also, remember it's not just which type of alcoholic beverage you choose this holiday season, but also what you pair with it (i.e., sodas, juices and cream).  Spirits and holiday cheer are "empty calories" meaning they provide no useful nutrition.  Choose wisely this year and keep the "empty-calorie" consumption low.