Date night, girl’s night out, a promotion – all occasions sure to have you reaching for a delicious cocktail. Only, if you’re watching your waistline, along with enjoying a tasty libation (or two) comes the gut guilt.
Fortunately for us, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans has provided us with a few “pre-game” pointers.
Women should consume no more than one drink per day. Meanwhile, men can consume up to two drinks per day – that is, if they choose to drink at all.
READ: Sloppy Drunk: The Dangers Of Binge Drinking
According to the dietary guidelines, “one alcoholic drink equivalent is defined as containing 14 grams (0.6 fluid oz.) of pure alcohol. The following are reference beverages that are one alcoholic drink equivalent: 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol), 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol). Drink-equivalents are not intended to serve as a standard drink definition for regulatory purposes.”
Now, when it comes to selecting your poison, avoid anything loaded with sugar, including:
Margaritas
Loaded with a heavy dose of those sweet cane crystals, this festive drink can range from 600 calories and above per serving. Have one or two and you can see how the calories add up – real quick!
White Russian
Created with heavy cream, coffee-flavored liqueur, and vodka of course, this tasty cocktail is close to 500 calories per serving.
Spiked eggnog
This holiday favorite made from eggs, sugar and cream – plus a spike of liquor – can rack up about 450 calories per serving.
Instead, opt for…