Healthy is HOT!: Going out tonight?? Keep an eye on the calories in your glass! The best and worst Alcohols to drink while dieting!

At MMA class a few weeks ago, the girls got on the topic of our fitness goals. On almost everyone's list was toning up for a Halloween party. Who doesn't want to look hot in their costume?! All the girls looked gorgeous at Halloween, sexy, sleek & toned muscles under those costumes! (see above!)

Women spend tons of time prepping for parties, the outfit, the hair, the nails, the makeup, the shoes... Then often when we arrive at a party we have a drink or two (or 5, depending on your style haha ;)) We watch what we're snacking on throughout the night, but what people often overlook is the calories in their cup!!

While alcohol is fat-free and low in carbs, it's important to remember that it's the calories from alcohol that counts when it comes to weight management. Often, alcohol and dieting don't mix well—your body processes alcohol first, leaving carbohydrates and fats to get stored as fat instead of getting used as fuel.

But cutting out alcohol all together isn't necessary or practical for many people, especially college kids, and especially coming up on the holiday season where parties and drinks abound.

SO! What's the best way to get your drink on?

Wine: The Most Diet-Friendly Choice

If you’re going to drink, wine is the most calorie-friendly selection with a typical 20 calories per ounce. Each 5-ounce glass would then be 100 calories with no cholesterol, sodium or fat. This is true for both red and white wine, from merlot to chardonnay. Sherry, a sweet, fortified wine runs a bit higher with 32 calories per ounce but it is usually served in smaller portions as an after-dinner drink.

Here is the nutritional information for some popular wines per ounce:

Wine	Calories	Carbs	Per 5-oz Serving
Chardonnay	20	0.4 g	100 calories, 2 g carbs
Pinot Grigio	20	0.4 g	100 calories, 2 g carbs
Zinfandel® White Wine	20	0.4 g	100 calories, 2 g carbs
Cabernet Sauvignon	20	0.8 g	100 calories, 4 g carbs
Merlot Red Wine	20	0.8 g	100 calories, 4 g carbs

Hard Liquor: Easy on Your Diet

Hard liquor is higher in calories per ounce than wine, and is often mixed with soda, which increases the calorie count. If you’re going to drink liquor, use calorie-free mixers like diet soda or diet tonic water. One shot glass or mixed drink will contain about 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.

Here is the nutritional information for some favorites, based on one ounce:

Hard Liquor	Calories	Carbs	Per 1.5-oz Serving
Vermouth	32	0.2 g	64 calories, 0.4 g carbs
Coconut Rum	51	5.3 g	77 calories, 8 g carbs
Beefeater® Gin	65	0 g	98 calories, 0 g carbs
Rye Whiskey	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
Scotch Whiskey	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
White Rum	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
Vodka	69	0 g	104 calories, 0 g carbs
Cognac	69	2 g	104 calories, 3 g carbs
Tequila	69	5.3 g	104 calories, 8 g carbs
Gilbey’s® Gin	79	0 g	119 calories, 0 g carbs

Beer: Raise Your Glass with Care

Beer is the next best choice for dieters with, about 150 calories per 12-ounce serving. Choosing light beers will drop your caloric intake without sacrificing much flavor.

Here is the nutritional information for different types of beer, based on a single ounce:

Beer	Calories	Carbs	Per 12-oz Serving
"Light" Beer	9	0.5 g	108 calories, 6 g carbs
Draft Beer	12	1.1 g	144 calories, 13.2 g carbs
Lager	14	1.1 g	168 calories, 13.2 g carbs
Ale	18	1.1 g	216 calories, 13.2 g carbs