The High Cost of Drinking: Alcohol and Weight Loss

A new report about drinking revealed surprising facts about the alcohol consumption habits of Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in six people binge drinks about four times per month.? On average these drinkers consume eight drinks per binge.

In addition to a wide range of health, economic and social consequences, binge drinking can make weight loss nearly impossible.? The calories consumed during one binge could easily total 1000 calories or more.? But even moderate drinking can make weight loss difficult.

Calorie Counts for Popular Drinks

Often, dieters count calories that they consume during meals and snacks, but forget to include the calories that they drink.? If you're dieting and not losing weight, this could be the cause.? Alcoholic drinks can pack a major caloric punch.? Even if you drink in moderation, the calories in some of these popular drinks can easily derail your diet.

• Dark Beer: 170 calories or more
• Mojito: 200 calories
• Gin and Tonic: 180 calories
• Margarita (restaurant prepared): 156

Best Options for Dieters

If weight loss is on your agenda this year, think about cutting back or removing alcohol from your diet completely.? If you choose to drink, replace one of the higher calorie drinks with a small glass of wine.? Four ounces of red wine contains 100 calories and a similar sized glass of white wine contains only 75.? Beer makers also provide several lower calorie options.? ?Get calorie counts for more drinks at caloriecount.com

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South Beach Diet A to Z - When can Alcoholic Beverages be Consumed - Alcohol on The South Beach Diet - Beer Wine Liquor on the SBD

South Beach Diet A to Z: Alcoholic Beverages

When can Alcoholic Beverages be Consumed on the SBD?
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed during Phase 1 of The South Beach Diet. The only exception is the use of wine in cooking during Phase 1. Dry table wine is nearly carb-free so you can use it while you're cooking without it affecting your dieting success or your blood sugar.

(Dessert wines and liquors, on the other hand, should not be used in cooking because of their sugar content.)

Certain drinks such as red or white wine (which Dr. Agatston recommends over other alcoholic beverages), can be consumed once you begin Phase 2 of The South Beach Diet. If you don't need to stay on Phase 1 any longer than the initial 14 days (obese individuals may extend Phase 1), that means you'll be going "cold turkey" for just two weeks.

Alcoholic beverages contain few carbohydrates, but the reason Dr. Agatston doesn't allow them in Phase 1 is due to the way alcohol is converted by your body: It turns into sugar. This will cause your blood sugar to spike. Remember, the purpose of Phase 1 is to level out your blood sugar so cravings for "bad" carbs will subside and you'll begin losing weight.

There are guidelines for alcohol consumption in Phase 2 of The South Beach Diet which you will find detailed in the plan. Moderation is the key. One or two glasses a day is recommended as the cut-off; the serving size of your drink varies with the type you choose.

For example, according to The South Beach Diet online, Phase 1 can allow you three to four ounces of wine in each serving, but if you choose gin instead, each serving can only contain 1 1/2 ounces.

Some beverages remain off-limits even during Phase 2 of The South Beach Diet. These include beer, liqueur such as Kahlua, brandy and wine coolers (due to added sugar).

Last but not least, if you're on Phase 2 and you're going to imbibe, make sure it's during or immediately following a meal because doing so will affect the way your blood sugar reacts to the drink.

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South Beach Diet A to Z

Suggested Reading:
?The South Beach Diet by Arthur Agatston, MD
?The South Beach Diet Good Fats Good Fats Guide
?The South Beach Diet Cookbook
?The South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook

Source:
The South Beach Diet : The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss, Arthur Agatston, MD, St. Martin's Griffin (April 19, 2005 edition).

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