Alcohol: A Calorie Bomb in Disguise
Alcohol is high in both sugar and ethanol, making it a real calorie heavyweight. And this is true for all types of drinks, but especially for spirits like gin, whiskey, or rum. Curious about which drinks pack the most calories, and which are a bit lighter? Want to know what’s up with cider or beer? These questions are more relevant than you might think.
Here’s the bottom line: alcohol leads to weight gain. Not only does it offer little to nothing in terms of nutrition (we’re talking ’empty calories’ here), but it’s also calorie-dense.
“Alcohol is nearly as rich in calories as fat,” says Alexandra Retion, a dietitian-nutritionist and author of the book “Qu’est-ce qu’on mange?” One gram of alcohol contains 7 kcal, compared to 9 kcal for a gram of fat. What’s more, alcohol doesn’t bring any useful nutrients to the party. Yes, there are antioxidants in wine, but you can also find those in grapes, for example.
Why Are Alcoholic Drinks So Fattening?
What exactly makes that glass of wine or cocktail so calorific? Retion explains it simply:
“It’s the presence of sugar and ethanol—both are high in calories.”
And the stronger the alcohol content, the more calories you’re drinking. Add soda, extra sugar, fruit juices, or even decorative candy to the mix, and you get a true calorie bomb that can fuel weight gain.
Why does this matter? For one, sugar is a known contributor to obesity. But alcohol also tends to stimulate your appetite and
“promotes fat storage,”
according to the dietitian.
“Your body will prioritize burning the energy from alcohol, which prevents it from burning existing fat stores—these end up being stored, mainly around your abdomen.”
So yes, those cocktails may be more than just social lubricants.
Drinking and Dieting: Can You Mix the Two?
If you’re on a diet, alcoholic drinks can quickly tip the scales in the wrong direction. But Retion insists you don’t have to kiss alcohol goodbye entirely, even when trying to slim down.
“It’s always better to avoid restrictive diets and feelings of frustration. If you’re trying to lose weight, you need to be reasonable. The key is enjoying yourself while ensuring your overall daily balance stays in check.”
Got a night out with friends coming up? Instead of defaulting to fruit juice or a mocktail—which could end up being just as high in calories (or even higher)—consider lowering your sugar intake during the rest of the day. Skip dessert, or pass on your usual sweet snack, and keep things in balance.
Making Smarter Choices: What Should You Order?
When you’re deciding what to drink, go for the lighter options like wine or cider and stay away from cocktails, which often hide loads of calories.
“Take your time, limit your number of drinks, and savor your glass of champagne. But if you love a good glass of wine, don’t deprive yourself—just try not to go back for refills,”
Retion concludes.
So, next time you’re clinking glasses, remember what’s really in that drink—and enjoy your night out, just a little more wisely!
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
