Summer Booze, Makes Me Feel Fine

You’d think it would be easy to lose a few pounds in the summer what with all the fresh fruits and veg and the easy outdoor activities…

But did you also consider the fact that we sit in the heat and sip more calories? Yup, its the booze that will set you back unless you really, really focus on creating that calorie deficit.  Here’s your quickie peek at how much EXTRA  exercise you will have to perform.  Of course nothing is quite this direct and all numbers are approximate but its a good guide.

For EACH drink of the following you have, you will need to walk very briskly (so you are out of breath the whole time) for:

1 vodka/soda (1.5 oz shot)=125 calories or 28 minutes

1 vodka or gin/tonic (1.5 oz shot+5 oz tonic)=175 calories or 39 minutes

1 bloody caesar (1.5 oz shot+5 ounces clamato)=156 calories or 35 minutes

1 beer (12 oz)= 146 calories or 32 minutes

1 light beer (12 oz)= 110 calories or 24 minutes

1 glass of wine (5 oz) =125 calories or 28 minutes

And that is just the alcohol/calorie story, there’s more to know about how it affects your health.

It can add up really, really fast if you are just breaking even on the food front. And remember, calories from alcohol can not be used as fuel, they are processed by the liver and stored as fat.  You have be working pretty hard at burning fat to get ahead of this game. I’m thinkin’ drinkin’ is for Fridays and Saturdays only.  You?

Theresa Albert

I love food, try to watch my weight, know more than I want to about healthy living (sometimes I wish I knew less so I wouldn’t feel so guilty when I stumble), am a daughter, sister, friend, mom and wife who worries and scurries the meals onto the table. It is for all these reasons that I completed my nutrition, RNCP designation, wrote my book, hosted my Food Network show, consult with food companies to urge them to get it right (or at least better), constantly write about it, research it, all of this so I can cut through the nutrition and food “news” clutter. Happy to share with friends!