IF YOU'RE LOOKING to lose weight, it may be tough to cut some of life's simple pleasures—like a cold beer at the end of a long day.
It can be easy to forget about all the calories you're consuming when you're enjoying a few beers with friends while watching the game, or when you're sipping on some wine at the family function. Calories from alcohol can stack up, fast.
But does that mean you have to give up alcohol entirely when you're trying to slim down?
Not necessarily, says Dezi Abeyta, R.D.N., founder of Foodtalk Nutrition. The best diet is one you can maintain, and if you think cutting alcohol completely would be unsustainable for you, then there's ways to go about having it that won't kill your calorie count.
It's all about "how to enjoy their beverage without impacting their overall sustainable fat loss goals and preserve muscle," he says.
What Does Alcohol Do to the Body?
Alcohol can have some pretty nasty effects. (You've probably felt it after a long night out.)
In the long term, though, excessive use of alcohol can lead to a lot of serious diseases, such as fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A 2015 study published in Current Obesity Reports found a link between high alcohol consumption and high body fat percentage.
There are still ways to enjoy your drink without putting you at risk or packing on the pounds, though. According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, it's suggested that men limit their alcohol intake to two or less drinks per day to avoid these issues.
In the short term, alcohol can be dehydrating and effect sleep patterns. So, if you're going to continue drinking while trying to cut calories, Abeyta recommends setting up a drinking "curfew" and hydration plan. "It doesn't need to be crazy; give yourself a drink of water before and after a beverage and discontinue alcohol consumption by 5 or 6 p.m.," he says.
Abeyta also says if you're comfortable with tracking calories, then may sure you track the calories you drink, too. This way, you can see exactly how it effects your overall calorie allowance, he says.
While you may not want to take in a few hundred calories on sipping an IPA, there are some other options of low calorie alcohols to sip next time you want to wind down without breaking your allowance. Here's a few.
Tequila, Rum, Vodka, or Gin
Some liquors have more calories then others, and these four all sit at around 100 calories a shot at 80 proof, which is the average alcohol content for these kinds of liquors.
Watch out for higher proofs though. The more alcohol in the liquor, the higher the calorie content.
Take 'em straight, or add them in with some seltzer water and citrus juice.
Sake
A shot of sake only holds about 60 calories, and is a great liquor option.
Sake is a Japanese liquor made from brown rice. Sake does have a lower alcohol content than other liquors, though, sitting around 40 proof on average.
Soju
A shot of soju contains a mere 60 calories.
Soju is the Korean equivalent of sake, made of fermented grains. It also contains a little less alcohol than other liquors, on average around 32 proof.
Light Beer
The beer world continues to innovate its light options to be, well, even lighter.
Now, you can get a light beer with anywhere from 70 to 100 calories. Your classic BudLights and Miller Lites sit around 100, but some new developments from both craft beer companies and big name staples have provided some even lighter options.
Miller Beer Company has released Miller 64, which boosts 64 calories. Michelob Ultra Pure Gold only has 85 calories. There's plenty of options for you to still enjoy a cold one while trimming down.
Prosecco
Wine's sparkling sibling is light on the palate—and light on the calories.
A glass of prosecco only has about 80 calories. No need to skip out on the next toast!
Hard Seltzers
There's a reason we're in the midst of the hard seltzer revolution right now.
Every company is releasing their version of the product. Two of the originals, White Claw and Truly, sit at 100 calories a can.
White Wine
If you're a wine connoisseur, you don't have to give it up completely if you're looking to cut calories.
Calories in wine vary a fair amount, dependent on the type. When picking one while trying to cut back, it's good to remember that white wines usually have less calories than red. On average, a glass of white wine has only 120 calories.
Cori Ritchey, NASM-CPT is an Associate Health & Fitness Editor at Men's Health and a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. You can find more of her work in HealthCentral, Livestrong, Self, and others.
Watch Next
Don’t Fall Into the Irish Sea Moss Trap
Do You Need A Vitamin B-Complex Supplement?
10 Muscle-Building Supplements That Actually Work
McDonald's Comments on Grimace Shake TikTok Trend
