Alcohol As Part of a Healthy Diet Can alcohol be part of a healthy diet? Unless there's an addiction issue, absolutely. But as with any other indulgence, limits must be set on how much is appropriate. Again, moderation is key! Consider: Gram per gram, there are more calories in alcohol than in either protein or carbohydrate. Carbs and protein each contain 4 calories per gram; fat contains 9 calories per gram; and alcohol – 7 calories per gram. A little goes a long way! People who are overweight tend to gain weight more easily when they drink alcohol. Those who indulge in alcohol on a regular basis usually store their extra fat in the stomach (hence the accurate term, "beer belly"). Studies suggest that excess weight in the mid-section is a risk factor for heart attack (as opposed to excess weight in the hip and thigh area). Studies show that certain compounds in red wine can help fight cancer and heart disease. Others show that those who drink moderately – the equivalent of one drink per day – have a lower risk of heart disease than those who abstain from alcohol completely.
Calorie content of alcoholic beverages Beer (serving size = 12 fluid ounces): Non-alcoholic beer actually has the same calories as beer with alcohol: 146 calories per serving. That's over 800 calories for a six pack. Light beer has 99 calories per serving. Wine (serving size = 5 fluid ounces): Dry wines contain fewer calories than sweet wines: 106 calories per serving of dry wine versus 225 calories for the same amount of dessert wine (and that's before the first bite of cheesecake). Champagne contains the same amount of calories as other dry wines, 106 calories. Spirits (serving size = 1.5 fluid ounces, also called a shot): The calories in gin, rum, vodka or whiskey depends on the proof, which is twice the percentage of alcohol (e.g., 100 proof contains 50 percent alcohol). And the higher the proof, the higher the calories. A shot of 80 proof contains 97 calories, while the same amount of 100 proof slaps you with 124 calories. Calorie content of other types of liquors varies greatly. Cordial has only 20 calories per shot, while Schnapps has 108. Creme de menthe is the big winner at 186 calories per shot. Mixed drinks: Beware of those enormous party-sized frozen Daiquiris and house special Margaritas. At least, keep it down to one (better yet, share) unless you want to imbibe more than the 500 calories or so that can be found in one of these monsters. Here are common serving sizes and calorie amounts for your favorite drinks ("fl oz" stands for "fluid ounces"): Bloody Mary (5 fl oz): 115; Bourbon & soda (4 fl oz): 104; Daiquiri (2 fl oz): 112; Eggnog (8 fl oz): 490; Gin & tonic (7.5 fl oz): 171; Martini (2.5 fl oz): 156; Piña colada (4.5 fl oz): 262; Screwdriver (7 fl oz): 175; Tequila sunrise (6.8 fl oz can): 232; Tom Collins (7.5 fl oz): 122; Whiskey sour (3 fl oz): 135.
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