Best Low-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks For Health and Fitness
Are you wondering which alcoholic beverage to choose without compromising your health and fitness goals? The decision between wine, beer, or bourbon can be quite perplexing. In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to a variety of low-calorie alcoholic drinks that are both delicious and waistline-friendly.
The Best Type of Alcohol for Fat Loss
Most people are aware that macronutrients include carbohydrates, fat, and protein. However, many are unaware that alcohol itself is a significant source of calories. While one gram of carbohydrates or protein contains four calories, one gram of fat provides nine calories. Surprisingly, alcohol contains seven calories per gram, making it higher in calories compared to carbohydrates and protein, though still lower than fat.
The high caloric content of alcohol is primarily due to the fermentation of starches and sugars during the production process. Additionally, many individuals add extra sugar to their drinks, further contributing to the calorie count. While it’s impossible to avoid the calories derived from alcohol itself, we can make conscious choices to avoid adding unnecessary sugar.
Choose Plain Flavored Alcohol
Many people are unaware that flavored alcoholic beverages often contain added sugar to enhance their taste. These drinks typically have a lower alcohol percentage compared to their unflavored counterparts. For instance, a bottle of unflavored vodka typically contains 40% alcohol, while a flavored vodka bottle may only have 35% alcohol and additional sugar. This not only increases the sugar content but also decreases the alcohol concentration, potentially leading to higher overall consumption.
Some Low-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks
If you’re looking for a low-calorie alcoholic option, consider Everclear. With 90% alcohol content and 5% water, it contains no added sugar, making it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Other suitable options include plain, unflavored vodka, rum, whisky, red wine, and beer. However, it’s important to note that red wine and beer often contain added sugar, increasing their calorie content. Therefore, opting for the other mentioned options may be a wiser choice. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that beer, due to its lower alcohol concentration, may require larger quantities to achieve the desired effect, leading to an influx of extra calories that we aim to avoid.
Negative Side Effects
Regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage you choose, it’s essential to be aware of the negative effects alcohol can have on your body and muscle-building efforts. Alcohol consumption can hinder muscle growth and slow down your metabolism, which consequently affects your fat loss progress.
Additionally, when alcohol enters your system, the organs responsible for converting stored body fat into energy are primarily focused on eliminating the alcohol and detoxifying your body. This diversion of resources can impede your fat loss goals.
Furthermore, alcohol consumption can significantly impact your appetite. It reduces your willpower and increases your cravings for junk food. Once you start drinking, your ability to resist unhealthy snacks diminishes, leading to higher consumption of empty calories.
Conclusion
When selecting an alcoholic beverage, opt for low-calorie options whenever possible. Choose unflavored varieties to avoid unnecessary sugar intake. Flavored drinks often contain added sugars that contribute to calorie consumption, hindering your health and fitness goals. Additionally, keep in mind that alcohol consumption can weaken your willpower to resist junk food and increase your cravings for unhealthy snacks.
By making informed choices and moderating your alcohol intake, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying the occasional drink. Remember, balance is key when it comes to alcohol and achieving your health and fitness goals.