Weight Loss Plan - Dying for a Drink

Posted 16 February 2009

Alcohol is a major factor to weight gain - but you don't have to cut out booze completely to achieve your weight loss goals.

There's no doubt that many of us underestimate our alcohol intake. Excess alcohol does all the things most of us are aware of - impinging on our mental abilities, making us more prone to accidents, and putting our livers under pressure. But for those who aren't persuaded enough to cut down on their alcohol from health fears, vanity may play a role - alcohol is highly calorific, and it's crucial to cut down on booze if you want to achieve weight loss.

Weight Loss - Loose the Booze

It may sound obvious, but moderation is key - not something that's always easy when it comes to alcohol. Which is why in some cases, it might be better to loose the booze from your diet altogether. Weight loss is hard to achieve when you drink, as well as the hidden calories packed into alcohol, drinking can lead to over eating or nibbling. But you can still cut down on your booze intake without climbing on the wagon completely. If you must drink while following a weight loss regime, stick to one glass. Opting for lighter wines with less than 12% alcohol will help your liver and aim to drink with your dinner so you're not tempted to crack out any nibbles. Many believe drinking wine is good for us, but remember - it's a matter of how much. Alcohol reduction is crucial to weight loss.

Calories and Alcohol: The Secret to Weight Loss

If you consider that drinking three units a day can add an extra 4lbs in just a month, it's easy to see how regular drinking can pile on the pounds over the years. Changing your lifestyle and drinking habits is crucial for long-term weight loss. Giving up booze for a New Year's resolution for just a month isn't sufficient - you need to address your long-term use of alcohol if you want to achieve your weight loss goals. A large glass of red wine for example can total 200 calories, and a pint of lager can top 320. As well as helping weight loss, cutting down on alcohol will help you achieve better quality sleep - and sleeping improves heart health. Weight loss, better sleep and improved health are good motivations to cut the booze from your diet. You will feel and look better. The Drinkaware Trust is now pushing the weight loss benefits of cutting down on drinking as more people become image conscious as well as health conscious. As alcohol has few nutrients, the calories it creates are considered 'empty' by nutritionists. It's harder to lose weight than it is to pile it on, but cutting down on alcohol is a realistic way of helping achieve your weight loss goals. If you can't cut out alcohol or don't want to, consider switching to low-carb or low-alcohol beers which contain fewer calories. Try and avoid sugary mixers with spirits - sipping on a spirit on the rocks or cut with water over a longer period is less calorific than opting for coke or tonic. If you want your weight loss goals to work however it's simple - you need to eat less and burn more calories - consider the calorie count of some of the most popular drinks: a pint of strong lager tops the bill at 320 calories, low-alcohol lager can be much less at 60 calories, a large glass of wine is almost 200 calories, alcopops can be 230 calories and spirits with fruit juice, 100 calories. A glass of whiskey is 50 calories - and the best of all is naturally the most expensive - a glass of champagne is 10 calories.

Need some Motivation for Weight Loss? Fitbug can Help

The Fitbug "Bug" is a little gadget that allows you to track your calories and steps. Fitbug, an online personal health and well-being coach is a unique system designed to help you achieve your weight, fitness and health goals within your everyday routine. What's more, Fitbug is realistic and motivational. Fitbug will send you realistic activity and healthy-eating targets each week based on your progress, and encourage you to keep on track. Fitbug isn't about extreme dieting or exercise, it's about making the right changes in your lifestyle for permanent weight loss. Find out more: 0870 228 4949.