Which Alcohol Should I drink?

It seems funny to be an acupuncturist, helping people strive for perfect balance and vitality to discuss alcohol, but the reality is most people will be drinking at least a few times during the holiday season. So, what should you choose if you don’t want to thwart your health goals?

Alcohol alone is not considered bad in Traditional Chinese medicine. It is harmful when it is combined with “snack foods,” salty foods, fatty appetizers, and bite sized desserts. Make sure that you actually want to have a drink, rather than being pressured. A good trick if you don’t want to drink is to say, “Actually, I am really thirsty and could use a big glass of water with some lemon in it!”

This usually satisfies your hosts desire to entertain you and avoids awkwardness.

Here is a handy reference so that you can make some informed decisions!

Way to go Wine!

Clearly the best choice for potential health benefits with minimal calories and low sugar. Dry wine takes the number one place!

Wine Calories Carbs Per 5-oz Serving
Chardonnay 20 0.4 g 100 calories, 2 g carbs
Pinot Grigio 20 0.4 g 100 calories, 2 g carbs
Zinfandel® White Wine 20 0.4 g 100 calories, 2 g carbs
Cabernet Sauvignon 20 0.8 g 100 calories, 4 g carbs
Merlot Red Wine 20 0.8 g 100 calories, 4 g carbs

Hard Liquor, the Mix is the Kicker

Hard liquor is actually not too caloric dense, keeping in mind the 1.5 oz serving. If you mix it with pop, or juice the sugar and caloric count jumps way up and may be considered the worst choice. Instead try mixing your spirits with sparkling water, or plain water and a squeeze of lime or lemon.

Hard Liquor Calories Carbs Per 1.5-oz Serving
Vermouth 32 0.2 g 64 calories, 0.4 g carbs
Coconut Rum 51 5.3 g 77 calories, 8 g carbs
Beefeater® Gin 65 0 g 98 calories, 0 g carbs
Rye Whiskey 69 0 g 104 calories, 0 g carbs
Scotch Whiskey 69 0 g 104 calories, 0 g carbs
White Rum 69 0 g 104 calories, 0 g carbs
Vodka 69 0 g 104 calories, 0 g carbs
Cognac 69 2 g 104 calories, 3 g carbs
Tequila 69 5.3 g 104 calories, 8 g carbs
Gilbey’s® Gin 79 0 g 119 calories, 0 g carbs

Here is beer, portion size be clear!

Beer is the highest in sugar depending on which brew you choose. The darker the beer, the higher the sugar. The major culprit here is portion size. It is very easy to over-consume beer. Try nursing a smaller glass so you can keep more mindful of how many times you refill.

Beer Calories Carbs Per 12-oz Serving
“Light” Beer 9 0.5 g 108 calories, 6 g carbs
Draft Beer 12 1.1 g 144 calories, 13.2 g carbs
Lager 14 1.1 g 168 calories, 13.2 g carbs
Ale 18 1.1 g 216 calories, 13.2 g carbs

Sweetened Liquor, you might get Sicker

Liquor tops the charts with the highest calories and most sugar. Just like beer portion size is important. Use with caution!

Calories Carbs Per 1.5-oz Serving
Chocolate Liqueur 103 11 g 155 calories, 17 g carbs
Mint Liqueur 103 11 g 155 calories, 17 g carbs
Peppermint Liqueur 103 11 g 155 calories, 17 g carbs
Strawberry Liqueur 103 11 g 155 calories, 17 g carbs

references www.sparkpeople.com

Enjoy the season!

~Think Vitality!~