- Lara Theis
Drinks On a Diet: A chic’s survival guide to losing weight while enjoying your Saturday nights out
It’s easy to underestimate liquid calories. In fact, your social drinking could be the lifestyle factor standing between you and your physique goals. Now I will say, the easiest way to cut out this factor is by not drink. However, some people want to still enjoy a drink from time to time and there is nothing wrong with that. This guide will break down the basics for you to make the best choices when it comes to your Saturday nights out (or Saturday night in quarantine for now lol.)
Guide To Wines

One 5oz serving of wine is about 123 calories for both red and white, give or take
Pay Attention to Alcohol Content. Wine can range from 100 to 150 calories, depending on the alcohol content (9-17% ABV). Aim for an ABV that’s lower on the spectrum, somewhere between 9–12%, since the amount of alcohol is what’s influencing the number of calories. Whites and reds are comparable in calories if the alcohol content is the same. Rosé is about 130 calories per 5oz serving
Break Downs
5oz of Chardonnay: 127 calories
5oz of Sauvignon Blanc: 127 calories
5oz of Cabernet Sauvignon: 127 calories
5oz of Pinot Grigio: 127 calories
5oz of Riesling: 128 calories
5oz of Merlot: 127 calories
5oz of Pinot Noir: 127 calories
5oz of Rose: 130 calories
5oz of Champagne: 96 calories
Guide To Beers

The higher the alcohol content, the higher a drink’s calories climb. Also beware of craft beers and hard ciders. Craft beers are usually higher in alcohol and can pack hundreds of extra calories while hard ciders can be loaded with sugar.
Light Beers Under 100 calories
Corona Light, Heineken Light, Budweiser Select, Yuengling Light Lager: 99 calories
Miller Lite: 96 calories
Natural Light, Michelob ULTRA, Anheuser-Busch Light Pale Lager, Amstel Light: 95 calories
Miller 64: 64 Calories
Beck’s Premier Light: 63 calories
Budweiser Select 55: 55 calories
Guide To Liquor

Both clear and dark liquor are pretty close in calories. If you are watching your calories then order your liquor neat (served with no water, without being chilled, or served over ice or any other mixer), with a splash of water, or on the rocks (over ice).
1 oz gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, or scotch 80% proof is 64 calories
1 oz gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, or scotch 100% proof is 80 calories
Mixed Drinks & Cocktails

Calories can rack up with these drinks depending on the size of the drink and what you put in it.
Be mindful when choosing a mixer
Go for seltzer, club soda, diet soda, or a squeeze of lemon or lime
2. Add JUST a Splash of Juice
Juice-heavy drink is can add a lot of additional calories.
3. Ditch the Pre-Made Mixes
They’re also loaded with sodium and sugar
4. Sorry, but frozen drinks are a no go
Mudslides, margaritas, rocket fuels, you name it, these drinks are all high in calories and may even be made with pre-made mixes.
Top Suggestion For Ordering At The Bar
Best Options
Glass of wine
Glass of champagne
Vodka seltzer
Bourbon soda
Scotch on the rocks with a splash of water
Rum and diet coke
Best Specialty Drinks
Margarita on the rocks
Vodka martini with a twist
Gin martini with cucumber
Manhattan
Mojito