– Champagne/sparkling wine
There’s always a glass of bubbles available during the festive season and the good news is, in moderation it is okay for our waistlines. The main reason is that the servings, whether it be in a flute or Champagne saucer, are always small, and with all that effervescence, it’s hard to drink too quickly.
CALORIES: 95 (397 kJ)
SWAP IT WITH: No need, sip and savour this season!
– Full strength beer
Beer has had a bad reputation over the years. And while it’s true a ‘beer belly’ may not just be caused by the amber ale, beer – whether it come as a middle, pint, pony – is pretty high in calories/kilojoules.
CALORIES: 155 (648 kJ)
SWAP IT FOR: Mid-strength beer
– Vodka soda
It’s long been known that this is the go-to drink for dieters but in fact any spirit with a soda mix will be less in kilojoules/calories that a cocktail. Add in a squeeze of lemon or lime and you’ve got a perfectly refreshing summer drink.
CALORIES: 60 (251 kJ)
SWAP IT FOR: Those being very strict should swap it for straight soda with a dash of lemon or lime
– White wine
The golden rule for wine is the dryer it is the less sugar it will have. While white wine is relatively low in calories/kilojoules, it’s very easy to down on a warm summer’s night so be aware that the count can go up quite quickly.
CALORIES: 100 (418 kJ)
SWAP IT WITH: Consider a white wine spritzer with soda water
– Red wine
While red wine is a little heavier on the calories/kilojoules than white, it makes up for it in the healthy stakes – it’s full of antioxidants called flavonoids. Like white wine, it’s easy to down, but remember 375ml of wine (280 calories/1170 kilojoules/no fat) is equivalent to one large vanilla slice.
CALORIES: 120 (502 kJ)
SWAP IT FOR: mulled wine (without sugar), it won’t be drunk as quickly
– Gin and tonic
Because it’s clean, a G&T might seem to be a smart choice for dieters but surprisingly tonic water – that bitter tasting bubbly mixer – is actually high in sugar.
CALORIES: 200 (836 kJ)
SWAP IT FOR: Gin with equal parts soda water and tonic
– Espresso martini
All that tasty liqueur and flavoured syrup will not only keep you up all night, it won’t help with any diet plans. On the plus side, it can act as a dessert alternative!
CALORIES: 285 (1192 kJ)
SWAP IT FOR: Go for cocktails that feature freshly squeezed juice rather than syrups.
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