I hate to be the “Debbie Downer,” the “Stick-In-The-Mud” or the “Every party has a pooper, that’s why we invited you,” but this is something we should all think about as we get ready to get our party on this weekend! Did you ever wonder how many drinks you should (or shouldn’t) have in a day? How much is too much? How many glasses are really in a bottle of wine (I know there are at least 2 depending on the day and how big your wine glasses are, right)? I know I have had these thoughts. Well, here is a summary from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as provided by the DGAC (Dietary Guidline for Americans Committee):
“.. the DGAC recommends that if alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation, and only by adults. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as average daily consumption of up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, with no more than three drinks in any single day for women and no more than four drinks in any single day for men. One drink is defined as 12 fl. oz. of regular beer, 5 fl. oz. of wine, or 1.5 fl. oz. of distilled spirits.The DGAC found strong evidence that heavy consumption of four or more drinks a day for women and five or more drinks a day for men has harmful health effects. A number of situations and conditions call for the complete avoidance of alcoholic beverages.”
So there you have it. I actually measured 5 oz. of wine and was pleased that my standard glass of wine was just about right, whew!
Hey, I don’t make up the rules here, but I do live in the real world and I know you may have a drink now and then. You know — when you are at that wedding, party, out with friends, at the club (raisin’ the roof) or just sitting poolside in Vegas. If you’re trying to cut back on a few extra lbs, there are a couple tricks you can use:
No drinking during the week – If you normally have 1-2 drinks a day, that equates to roughly 130-260 calories (depending on your poison) and if you cut out 5 days that would equate to 650 – 1,300 calories in a week. You can see how this adds up, that is roughly the equivalent 2-4 good workouts.
Drink water between each dink – This accomplishes a couple of things – you will drink less alcohol, it will keep you hydrated, you will avoid that hangover, it will save you money and it will save you calories. None of that sounds too bad, right?
Low calorie options – Alcohol is an extra, so pick lower calories drinks. Beer and wine ranges from 100-160 calories per drink and a vodka and soda water is probably around 70 calories. And, of course, the more fancy the name the more calories it is probably packing.
So try some of these tricks (so you don’t end up looking like that guy) and go out and have fun this weekend you crazy kids!!!
