Counting the Calories in Christmas Alcohol
There are ways to watch your alcohol content at Christmas
without being a party pooper - here's a few tips.
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Party Time
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It's that time of year again when the party invitations start
flooding in - the Office Do, family get togethers and meeting up with
old friends are all on the agenda.
Parties mean alcohol and with the best will in the world you will
want to enter the party spirit and enjoy a drink.
Alcohol is high in calories (1g = 7kcal). However, a little
knowledge means you can minimise the damage and enjoy a glass or two.
It is important to keep your intake of alcohol under control -
moderation is the key.
Ways to Reduce Calories
- Try alternating alcoholic drinks with low calorie
non-alcoholic drinks or water
- Ask for low calorie/diet mixers where possible - it can
make a big difference
- Make wine into a spritzer - a longer drink means you will
drink less
- Substitute your "alcopop" for a shot of spirit and a low
calorie mixer
Make Allowance in Your Calorie Quota
Plan alcohol into your daily calorie quota so you can enjoy a glass
or two. If you know you will be drinking at a party, try to save some
calories each day in advance or increase your activity levels to
compensate.
Don't Skip Meals to Allow for Drinks
Don't be tempted to skip meals to allow for drinks - alcohol won't
satisfy your hunger.
In fact, alcohol lowers blood sugar levels (it
prevents sugar that is normally stored in the liver, as glycogen, from
breaking down). A drop in blood sugar levels sends signals to the
brain that you are hungry. With alcohol in your system, will power can
go out of the window and snack attacks kick in. Eating a proper meals
before you go out will line your stomach and slow the rate at which
alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream. This will keep you in
control of how much you eat and drink.
SWAP
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kcals
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FOR
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kcals
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1 Shot/25ml Gin with 125ml Tonic Water
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93
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1 Shot/25ml Gin with 125ml Diet Tonic Water
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53
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1 Shot/25ml Barcardi with 125ml Coke
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104
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1 Shot/25ml Bacardi with 125ml Diet Coke
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52
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1 Glass/120ml Champagne
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89
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1 Glass/120ml Dry White Wine
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77
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1 Pint/568ml Lager
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227
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1 Pint/568ml Shandy
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108
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1 Bottle/275ml Bacardi Breezer
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198
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1 Bottle/275ml Diet Bacardi Breezer
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96
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