Since the beginning of 2004, there has been an ongoing battle between the United States Treasury Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and the UK-based Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WTSA). The cause of argument: whether or not alcoholic beverages sold in the United States should contain nutrition information. The US Treasury Department feels as though this change is long overdue as Americans are becoming more concerned with serving sizes as well as the health risks that are associated with alcohol consumption and abuse.Okay, so let's break down alcohol consumption and caloric intake so you can decide for yourself. Moderate drinking is defined as no more than two drinks per day for men and one a day for woman.That means that five ounces of wine will give you an average of 114 calories, a beer provides around 148 calories, and one shot of tequila, brandy, vodka, rum, or cognac will give you about 96 calories.
Plus, let's not forget to mention the additional calories when you mix these liquors in popular drinks like rum and coke which jumps from 96 calories to 160 per cocktail. Now, let's assume that you enjoy three to five drinks per week for one year; that small number leads to an increase of 5-10 pounds, all in the form of useless calories.
Most consumers probably would make smarter choices if they knew that those drinks will equate to an additional 31-62 hours of moderate bicycling, 46-93 hours of brisk walking, or 25-50 hours of lap swimming. The good news is that we don't have to wait for decisions to be made by departments we have never heard of. You are now empowered with the information so you can make your own decisions about how important alcohol is and how it fits in with your weight loss goals. I challenge you to choose wisely!
Navalee Hylton
M.S. Nutrition
Nutrition Specialist
"Success is measured by the amount of struggle you underwent to have it"
Labels: alcohol
Comment: February 1, 2008 1:18 PM - 
VeloSwiss said...
This puts extra calories nicely into perspective when you define how much exercise it takes to get them off. The worst thing about calories from alcohol, besides the added weight, is that they do not contribute anything in terms of fueling the exercise needed to get rid of them.
www.cyclingnutrition.blogspot.com
Comment: February 15, 2008 11:47 PM - said...
Alcoholic beverage is an evil and addicted drug. It cannot make any brain healthy.
Comment: February 27, 2008 6:29 AM - said...
In addition to the extra calories from the alcohol, drinking often leads to mindless munching too.
Comment: February 27, 2008 9:29 AM - said...
60 hours a year of additional biking equates to an additional 10 minutes a day - how awful - cheers!
Comment: February 27, 2008 9:31 AM - said...
its too bad but the urge to drink is at the root of many weight loss failures
Comment: February 29, 2008 12:11 PM - said...
'The worst thing about calories from alcohol, besides the added weight, is that they do not contribute anything in terms of fueling the exercise needed to get rid of them.'
I completely disagree! For most people I know, a night of drinking includes lots and lots of dancing! If not a lot of walking too... A lot more exercise than sitting at home on a friday night.
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