Day Twenty: Alcohol

I love a good glass of wine, a nice bottle of tequila. I love it when I recieve them as Christmas & birthday presents. However, drinking alcohol can be a hindrance to healthy living, and governing it should be done by anyone who consumes. It has addictive properties, can hinder the function of vital organs, dehydrates the body, & has a caloric content.



A 4 oz glass of wine has on average 80-100 calories. Vodka & tequila have about 60 -65 calories per 1 oz serving. Margaritas, frozen drinks, & drinks made with juices can have anywhere from 350-700 calories per glass. They are usually loaded with sugar. We're supposed to be eating 400 calories per meal & about 1500 calories total a day. Two frozen pina coladas can run up to 1400 calories...it's easy to see why alcoholic beverages can wreck the most strict of diets.



Advice that the nutrition experts give is to stick with dry wine, not exceeding 2 glasses twice weekly. If you partake in liquor, mix 1 oz with water or soda water, dressing it up with a lime or another piece of fruit. Substitute where possible for frozen drinks, sweet drinks, drinks mixed with sugar or colas. Be smart about the amount of alcohol you consume & make sure you've got a designated driver.



Do: Think candidly & journal about the effect that alcohol has on your nutrition, water intake, & sleep. Make any necessary modifications.