Can I have an alcoholic drink with my dinner?
As a dietitian, of course I'm going to say to limit your alcohol intake. But realistically, it's a part of some of our lifestyles. For some people, a glass of wine after a long day helps to take that edge off, or we like a drink or two at a party.
If you like to have an alcoholic drink here or there, enjoy it, but don’t forget the rules of alcohol and your weight goals (well, not really rules, but suggestions).
Moderate drinking is defined as no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. For most of us, that is much more than we would consume on a daily basis. There is a place for alcohol in a healthy diet (e.g. red wine with all of its antioxidant properties and links to a healthy heart), but when you're watching your calories and trying to balance your food intake, it's best to limit your intake; having a glass of wine or a light beer won’t tip the scales as long as you include those calories in your meal plan and adjust accordingly.
When choosing beer, pick a lighter one and keep it to about 12 ounces (one serving). The darker beers tend to have more carbohydrates and are often higher in calories.
If a glass of wine is your choice, pick a red one (higher in antioxidants) and keep it to no more than a 5-ounce glass (one serving).
Hard liquor calories can sneak up on you. When mixed with things like soda, juices or other mixers, liquor adds more calories and one drink can equal the amount of two in terms of calories.
Tips to remember:
1. Keep it to one glass or mug.
2. Enjoy the beverage -- sip slowly.
3. If using mixers, try seltzer, diet sodas or water.
4. Drink water; it will help you consume less alcohol and keep you hydrated.
Remember the calories:
- Light Beer: 12 oz. -- about 100 calories
- Regular Beer: 12 oz. -- about 140 calories
- Wine: 5 oz. -- about 120 calories
- Liquor/Spirits: 1 fl. oz -- about 65 calories
In the end, it's all about balance; if you include a glass of wine or another alcoholic drink with dinner, simply eat a little less or lighten up on a snack.
Have a diet question for Pam? Email askpam@ediets.com and check back to see if your question is picked! And if you missed a previous column, click here to see the archive.
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Comment: Monday, September 21, 2009 11:00:00 AM - 
Marques Garcia, Fitness Trainer said...
Having a glass of wine or an alcoholic drink every once in a while may not be an issue, but if it becomes a habit, then we must be careful. Alcohol is a sedative and addictive. One must carefully weigh their dietary needs and include alcoholic WITHIN the total amount of calories allowed for a diatary plan.
Comment: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 11:48:00 AM - Nicole, RD, LD/N - eDiets said...
Marques - Great reminder that alcohol can be addictive. It's important to monitor intake to ensure it's not excessive. Thanks for your comment!
- Nicole, RD, LD/N, Nutrition Support Team
Comment: Thursday, September 24, 2009 1:04:00 PM - said...
Lets get real, not everyone drinks everyday, but when you out with friends and pull an all nighter it can get hard to have just "one drink". Please, I am in my 20's and I have an active social life. I dont drink all week long, no need and no desire, but when the weekend comes either mine or my boyfriends freinds call and there is always something to do. Drinking water inbetween alcoholic drinks is good advice, but not realistic for me. I would say snacking on light stuff helps the most while you drink because then you do drink less, but I need advice on drinking on a diet for people who are not trying to drink on a daily basis but on social occasions.
Comment: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 11:24:00 AM - said...
Hi Anonymous, Thanks for your comment! Incorporating social drinking into a weight loss plan is a common concern for many people. Ultimately, the truth is alcohol will contribute additional calories to your daily intake which can put the brakes on weight loss. The best approach is to practice moderation and choose lower calorie drinks/mixers to lessen your overall empty calorie consumption. Of course, there will be those special occasions when you will not be as concerned about calorie intake and that is okay; but when following a weight loss plan, it is simply not realistic to be able to consume a larger amount of alcohol regularly and see the same progress in terms of weight loss.
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