Office parties, Holiday Open Houses, Happy Hours, etc.. many of us receive numerous invitations this time of year that call for a glass of cheer. But, while we may have the willpower to bypass the festive hordeuvres and decadent desserts, liquid calories could put a snag in our efforts.
Alcohol is an easy way to pack on unwanted pounds during the holidays. In fact, experts at The Baylor College of Medicine, say that liquid calories have contributed to America’s obesity epidemic. It is easy to sip on these tempting seasonal concoctions. One of the worst choices, however is eggnog, even non-spiked with cheer it can set you back about 340 calories per glass. If you whiskey to your eggnog, add in another 105 calories per 1.5 oz.
Studies have shown that alcohol can also increase your hunger and cravings for salty and sugary foods. In fact some studies show that alcohol can increase your caloric intake somewhere between 20 and 30 percent. Alcohol also has an effect on your body’s metabolism and ability to process the additional calories. Consuming too much can result in hormonal imbalances which can result in weight gain. The types of alcohol you consume can also play a role in the number of extra calories. For example a four ounce frozen daiquiri will cost you an additional 216 calories. The same size margarita will add an additional 270 and the ever deceiving mai tai cocktail a whopping 310 calories.
Your best bet is to go with a light beer for 100 calories or a wine spritzer for only 49 calories. An eight ounce glass of wine is about 150 calories. Spirits such as rum and vodka are an additional 96 calories per 1.5 oz.
Your best bet when attending holiday gatherings is to go in with a game plan. For example, pace yourself and have a non-alcoholic drink in between each alcoholic drink. Try to mix your drinks with light tonic, water or a light juice to limit the number of calories. Be careful not to become dehydrated and drink plenty of water while you drink alcoholic beverages. This time of year, there is a chill in the air, regardless of where you live. Instead of warming up with spirits, try warming up with flavored teas and carry a few tea bags in your purse. I find this is very helpful and limits the number of liquid and solid calories. It is also important to remember to add in those liquid calories with your total caloric intake. Remember, it is okay to indulge a little over the holidays, but keep it in moderation.
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiancé, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.