ASK KEITRA

QUESTION: Does regularly consuming alcoholic beverages cause you to gain weight?
~Conversation Starter

ANSWER: Alcoholic beverages are full of empty calories. I always like to say, “I would rather eat my calories than drink them.” Many drinks are mixed with beverages such as fruit juice, sprite, coke, etc. All of these flavorings contain large amounts of sugar, which means they have no nutritional value. The high sugar content does not contribute to weight reduction and may hinder the weight loss process. Now, this does not mean that you have to cut out all alcoholic beverages…just be moderate. Consuming alcohol in excess can cause weight gain (hints the term “beer belly”).

If having a few drinks here and there is your thing, be mindful of how much you consume and figure out when and where you can afford to consume more calories.

Bottom line:
• Moderation is key
• Don’t drink your calories away

Visit: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/low-calorie-cocktails
for an article entitled “5 ways to keep from overloading on calories when you have an alcoholic drink.”