Everyone’s body is different, which means their health needs are too. For those who want to lose weight, their efforts to lose weight will look different from the person next to them. For example, some people choose to give up alcohol altogether when trying to lose weight, while others may keep it in their plan.
If you want to enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage during your weight loss efforts, here are helpful tips for healthy drinking in moderation. To find out more, we talked to a few dietitians about what they think are the worst drinks to lose weight with.
We’re not saying you should avoid these drinks at all costs. If you want to treat yourself, go ahead! These are just handy reminders so you can go into your next happy hour feeling confident and aware.
1 Ananas colada’s
When it comes to alcoholic beverages being the worst for weight loss, it’s important to consider how much sugar you’re taking in at a time. Especially if you think you’ll be drinking more than one.
“Sure, a piña colada is a must if you’re on a tropical getaway in some people’s minds, but these drinks are full of high-calorie ingredients that don’t help in the weight loss department. And if you take a colada made with a ready-made sugary mix, you’ll get a boost of empty calories and a possible sugar high later,” says Eat This, Not That! medical expert board member Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility.
2 Long Island iced teas
Long Island Ice Teas are known for getting you drunk faster than any other drink out there. But according to Manaker, this is not a good thing if you want to stick to your weight loss goals.
“Basically made from a combo of spirits, a Long Island iced tea is one of the worst drinks you can order if you’re watching your waistline. Not only is this drink full of empty calories, but when you sip it you quickly feel drunk, which lowers your inhibitions and causes you to indulge in snacks later in the day or evening,” says Manaker.
3 Whiskey cokes
Your drink doesn’t have to be fancy or frozen to get in the way of your weight loss. In fact, even mixing your favorite liquor with your favorite soda can secretly increase your calories and added sugars.
“Although clear liquor by itself only contains about 70 calories per ounce, when you start mixing it with lemonade, soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages, the calories can add up very quickly,” says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and registered dietitian on our Medical Expert Council. “To reduce the calories in your favorite drink, mix it with a low-calorie or calorie-free beverage, such as soda water and a splash of lime.
