Best alcoholic drinks while dieting
Most people think going on a diet involves going completely teetotal and ditching the booze for good.
But it turns out having a tipple-a-day can actually help to blitz body fat – if you make the right choices when it comes to picking your drink.
1. Rum and coke – 97 calories.
It’s only 97 calories if you choose to drink it straight down or mix it with something like Coke Zero. The tipple can also increase good cholesterol, also known as HDL cholesterol, and combat artery blockages, helping to prevent heart attacks and heart disease.
An interesting act is during World War I, a ‘tot o rum’ was used to help soldiers stay healthy – as it was said to increase the bone mineral density.
2.Red wine – 123 calories
Nutritionally, there’s not much difference between red wine and white wine, but there are other benefits in choosing this one over white one. Certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks.
A 2009 study in Canada showed that all wines can lower your risk of contracting diabetes by 13 percent.
3.Vodka soda – 96 calories
Vodka was originally invented as a source of medicine and to this day it still has a number of health benefits. It’s heart-healthy and can increase blood flow and circulation in your body which can prevent clots, strokes and other heart diseases.
If your weight-loss plans are getting you down, studies have shown vodka is actually a great natural reliever of stress too. It’s only 96 calories a shot, so make sure you pick a low-calorie mixer to go with it too.
4.Champagne – 90 calories
No need to feel guilty next time you pop the champagne cork at a wedding, or perhaps a classy dinner party. The fizzy stuff is one of the healthier tipples, with a 4-ounce glass of bubbly containing just 90 calories.
Like red and white wine, champagne can be good for your heart. Made from both red and white grapes, it contains the same antioxidants which prevent damage to your blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol and prevent blood clots. The servings are generally smaller too, so it’s the healthier choice all round – as long as you don’t drink the whole bottle.
5.Whiskey – 105 calories
One of the most loved drinks has some benefits too and has only 105 calories in a single serving.
The American Society for Clinical Nutrition published a study in 1991 that suggested that moderate intake increases energy and decreases the desire for sugar intake. It’s also historically been used as a digesting medicine in many cultures throughout the ages so if you’ve had a heavy meal, and after-dinner shot may be just what you need to finish it off properly.
