It can be tough to stick with water at a party or after a long week of work. So what do you do? Well, one strategy is to plan ahead and instead of denying yourself a drink, make a smart choice about what to have. EatingWell Magazine put out a great article that taste tests light beers. Here are the results (I like Michelob Ultra Amber, myself):

*Nutrition information for 12-ounce bottle | ABV = alcohol by volume

Michelob ULTRA Amber
ABV 5.0%
114 calories
3.7 grams carbohydrate
Dark golden color and malty, sweet flavor.

Redhook Ale Brewery Slim Chance
ABV 3.9%
125 calories
8.7 grams carbohydrate
Refreshing and light.

Sam Adams Light
ABV 4.0%
119 calories
9.6 grams carbohydrate
Crisp, malty and smooth.

Shipyard Light
ABV 3.9%
97 calories
7.4 grams carbohydrate
Nicely balanced beer was the most mild of the batch.

New Belgium Brewing Skinny Dip
ABV 4.2%
110 calories
7 grams carbohydrate
Bright golden color and delicious citrus notes.

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Unfortunately, it seems you are going to have to make a choice. Although one drink a day has been deemed heart healthy, that doesn’t translate well when you are trying to lose weight. We understand by now that weight loss comes down to calories in vs calories out. But alcohol is metabolized differently than other foods and drinks.

Where normal foods and beverages take time to be broken down and digested in your stomach, alcohol moves to the front of the line and is metabolized first. This means that the liver must first work to process the alcohol, and the carbohydrates and fats are then transformed to stored body fat. Ugh.

Of course after you have enjoyed a drink….or two….or three…..your inhibitions seem to melt away. This may help to relax you, but it makes it a lot harder to stick your weight loss plan!

So next time you are jonesin’ for a drink, think twice and chose wisely.

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