Ring in 2012, with Serving Size in Mind
By: WUTR Eyewitness News
Updated: March 16, 2012
With
office parties and get-togethers with family and friends, it can be
easy to overindulge when it comes to alcohol. Just like food, it's
important to keep serving
sizes in mind, and in check. When it comes to holiday cheer, toasting a
glass to loved ones and friends is traditional.
But
what's in that glass could be adding unnecessary inches to your
waistline! It all depends on what your drink of choice is, and how many
drinks you consume.
If you step up to the bar this holiday season, remember looks can be
deceiving. Registered dietitian Natalie Webb says, "Whether you are
having one-and-a-half
ounces of a distilled spirit, ( such as vodka ) or you're having a 5 oz.
glass of wine, or a 12 oz. beer, they all provide you with the same
amount of alcohol, which is about 1/2 an ounce. "
Federal dietary guidelines characterize moderate drinking as two drinks
for men per day, and one, for women. Men are able to metabolize more
alcohol. Five or more
drinks on any single occasion is considered a binge. Another reason to
watch what you drink, those calories can add up. According to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture many holiday drinks are loaded with them.
So
how do drinks stack up? A standard serving of beer it's about 120
calories. A standard 5-ounce glass of wine is about 105 calories. A
regular shot (or one-and-a-half
ounces of a distilled spirits) is about 97 calories. When it comes to
distilled spirits the mixers added can pack a mean calorie punch on top!
If your taste leans away from alcohol, homemade hot cocoa with regular milk can add 192 calories per 8 ounce cup.
Craving
that holiday favorite, eggnog? It packs a whopping 391 calories in an 8
ounce glass, if you have it with alcohol. It is 343 calories without
alcohol.
Make sure you eat something to absorb whatever you're drinking. To keep
the holidays happy, if you plan to drink, don't plan to drive.
Finally, if you're planning on champagne to ring in the New Year, a 4
ounce glass has 96 bubbly calories. Nutritionists also recommended
reduced-fat and sugar-free
versions of many drinks, including eggnog and hot cocoa.
