Beer Alternatives For Weight Loss: What To Drink Instead?

If you're looking to cut down on beer to lose weight, there are plenty of alternatives you can try. Beer is calorically dense and high in carbs, with around 150 calories and 13 grams of carbohydrates in a standard 12-ounce can. Cutting down on calories and adopting a low-carb diet are key to losing weight, so here are some healthier drink options to help you cut down on beer:

- Hard seltzer: While it still contains alcohol, which is calorically dense, hard seltzer is lower in calories than beer and can be a good alternative if you're looking for something with a similar alcohol content.

- THC-infused seltzer: THC-infused seltzers are a buzz without the booze and have zero calories. Natural fruit juices and purees keep the calorie count low, at around 50 calories per can.

- High-proof spirits: Spirits like vodka are ideal for dieters as they have a strong alcohol content but are low in calories and contain almost no carbohydrates. A one-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka contains 64 calories, which is about 42% of the caloric content of beer.

- Club soda or unsweetened tonic water: Diluting your spirits with club soda or unsweetened tonic water can help slow down your alcohol intake and avoid consuming too much.

- Fruit or herb-infused soda: Unsweetened soda water is a great way to stay hydrated, which ensures you won't overeat. Carbonated water also creates a sense of fullness, helping to curb your appetite.

- Black, green, or herbal tea: Tea is a healthy alternative to beer, offering a wide range of flavours and health benefits. Tea is calorie-free, rich in antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Low-calorie cocktails

If you're looking for low-calorie cocktails, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Gin-Based Cocktails

• Gin and Tonic: This classic cocktail dates back to the 1700s and offers a bittersweet flavour for only 80 calories.
• Gin Rickey: A refreshing combination of gin, carbonated water, and lime.
• Skinny Gin and Cranberry: Mix one shot of gin with a 50-50 mix of cranberry juice and seltzer, and add a squeeze of fresh lime.
• Gimlet: A sharp and tangy cocktail made with gin and lime that has been popular for decades.
• Gin and Grapefruit: A simple yet tasty combination of gin and grapefruit.

Vodka-Based Cocktails

• Vodka Lemon: A smooth and sweet cocktail made with vodka and lemonade, containing 120 calories per glass.
• Vodka Sour: The lowest-calorie sour drink, made with vodka, liquid sugar, and citric acid.
• Vodka with Muddled Mint and Cucumber: A sophisticated twist on vodka and seltzer, allowing the ice to dilute the drink while infusing it with the flavours of mint and cucumber.
• Vodka and Soda: A basic combination of vodka, soda water, and lemon or lime.
• Lemon Ginger Vodka Seltzer: A refreshing cocktail made with vodka, lemon and ginger juice seltzer water, and cucumber-lime flavoured vodka.
• Jalapeño Pineapple Vodka Seltzer: A sweet and spicy vodka drink made with jalapeño-infused vodka, pineapple juice, and lime or pineapple-flavoured sparkling water.

Rum-Based Cocktails

• Rum and Diet Lemonade: A simple and elegant cocktail made with rum and diet lemonade, with negligible carbs and sugar.
• Rum with Black Tea: A classic summer evening drink made with dark rum, unsweetened black tea, muddled mint, and a slice of fresh lime.
• Daiquiri: A classic cocktail made with rum, lime juice, and liquid sugar.
• Mojito: A refreshing cocktail made with rum, mint, lime, and soda water.
• Rum and Coke Zero: A low-calorie twist on a classic combination.
• Kombucha Margarita: A light and fizzy margarita made with tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and ginger kombucha.
• Cranberry Pineapple Rum Cocktail: A tropical-inspired rum cocktail made with pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and sparkling water.

Tequila-Based Cocktails

• Tequila Lime and Seltzer: A refreshing cocktail made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and seltzer.
• Rainwater: A tequila soda with lime, also known as a "Rain on the Ranch Water."
• Margarita: A classic cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
• Paloma: A crisp and refreshing tequila cocktail made with grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and soda water.
• Long Island Iced Tea with Diet Coke: A low-calorie version of a classic cocktail.

Other Cocktails

• Spritz: A sweet, vibrant, and refreshing Italian cocktail made with prosecco, Aperol, and soda water, containing 125 calories.
• Negroni: A perfectly balanced cocktail made with gin, vermouth, Campari, and bitters, totalling 96 calories.
• Bloody Mary: A classic and healthy cocktail made with vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and ice, containing 95 calories.
• Martini Dry: An elegant and refined cocktail made with gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, totalling 97 calories.
• Manhattan: A good low-calorie option made with bourbon, sweet and dry vermouth, bitters, cherry liqueur, and ice.
• Moscow Mule: A spicy and aromatic cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, served in a copper mug and garnished with a lime wedge, totalling 120 calories.
• Milano-Torino: A popular Italian aperitivo made with vermouth, Campari, and bitters, containing only 80 calories.

Low-calorie spirits

If you're looking to cut down on calories but still want to enjoy a drink, opting for spirits can be a good choice. Spirits like vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila contain around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot. That's significantly fewer calories than a glass of wine or a craft beer, which can contain 120-150 calories or more.

• Vodka: This is a versatile spirit that can be mixed with various low-calorie options. Try it with soda water and lemon or lime wedges instead of a sugary mixer like sprite or ginger ale. Tito's Handmade Vodka is a good choice for a smooth and tasty vodka.
• Gin: Gin is another spirit that can be enjoyed with soda water and a slice of lemon or lime. This combination provides carbonation and flavor without adding extra calories. Seagram's Extra Dry Gin is a good low-calorie option with a natural flavor.
• Whiskey: Whiskey is typically enjoyed neat or on the rocks. However, if you're looking for a mixer, consider adding a splash of water to open up the flavors or opt for a no-calorie mixer like club soda.
• Rum: While rum is often mixed with cola, a better low-calorie option is to choose diet cola or unsweetened black tea instead. Dark rum pairs well with unsweetened black tea, and you can add muddled mint and a slice of lime for extra flavor.
• Tequila: Tequila is best enjoyed on its own or on the rocks with a splash of water and a squeeze of lime. Patron Silver is a good choice for a silver tequila with a natural sweetness.

When trying to lose weight, it's important to remember that alcohol can impact your metabolism and make weight loss more challenging. It's also a good idea to be mindful of what you mix your spirits with, as sugary mixers can quickly increase the calorie count. So, if you're watching your weight, opt for low-calorie mixers like soda, tonic, or club soda, or enjoy your spirits neat or on the rocks.

Tea

Firstly, tea is a healthier option compared to beverages like soda and energy drinks, which are associated with weight gain and chronic diseases. Tea contains health-promoting compounds called polyphenols, which have been linked to improved cardiovascular health, a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Secondly, tea contains catechins, a type of plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties. Catechins can increase metabolism by stimulating the body to break down fats more quickly and burn more calories. This leads to enhanced fat oxidation and improved lipid metabolism, resulting in weight loss and reduced body fat.

Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most well-known types of tea with several health benefits. It contains high levels of the polyphenol epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG), which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Green tea also contains caffeine, and the combination of EGCG and caffeine has been shown to increase thermogenesis (energy expended after eating) and stimulate fat burning. Research suggests that drinking 2 cups of green tea per day for more than 10 years may lead to a lower percentage of body fat and a smaller waist circumference.

Black Tea

Black tea is a type of tea that has undergone oxidation, resulting in its characteristic dark color. It is high in polyphenols and flavones, which are plant pigments with antioxidant properties. Black tea may promote weight loss by reducing calorie absorption, promoting fat metabolism, and decreasing oxidative stress. One study found that drinking 3 cups of powdered black tea per day for 3 months significantly increased weight loss and reduced waist circumference compared to a control group.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that has been partially oxidized, falling between green tea and black tea in terms of oxidation and color. It contains a mixture of catechins (found in green tea) and theaflavins (found in black tea), as well as caffeine. Several studies have shown that oolong tea can enhance weight loss by improving fat burning and speeding up metabolism. In one study, participants who drank oolong tea twice daily for 14 days experienced a 20% increase in fat burning.

White Tea

White tea is unique because it is minimally processed and harvested from young tea leaves. It has a subtle, delicate, and slightly sweet flavor. White tea is rich in catechins, which may help enhance weight loss by increasing metabolism and preventing the formation of new fat cells. Animal studies have shown that white tea extract can reduce fat gain in mice on a high-fat diet.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is made from hibiscus leaves and has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It contains catechins like EGCG and may help maintain a healthier weight. In one study, adults who were overweight or obese and consumed hibiscus extract for 12 weeks experienced a reduction in body weight, body mass index, body fat, and hip-to-waist ratio compared to a control group.

While tea can be a helpful addition to your weight loss journey, it is important to remember that sustainable weight loss also requires a balanced diet and regular exercise. Additionally, be cautious of "detox" or "weight loss" teas, as these may fall under the supplements category and may contain ingredients that could be harmful. Always check the ingredients list and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Water

No Calories, No Sugar

Helps with Metabolism and Appetite Control

Drinking water can also help speed up your metabolism, which is crucial for burning calories and promoting weight loss. Additionally, drinking a couple of glasses of water before a meal can help you feel fuller faster, leading to reduced calorie intake and aiding in weight loss.

Hydration and Health

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and can ensure you don't overeat. Water is the best way to stay hydrated, and it's readily available and inexpensive. Proper hydration also helps your body function optimally, including maintaining digestion and absorption of nutrients, which are vital for weight loss and overall health.

Mix with Alcohol for Reduced Calories

If you want to continue drinking alcohol but are mindful of weight gain, you can dilute your drinks with water or opt for drinks with fewer calories. For example, you can mix vodka with club soda or unsweetened tonic water, reducing the number of calories you consume while still enjoying a beverage.

Healthy Alternative

Fruit-infused soda

Citrus Spritz Mocktail

This drink will transport you to a tropical island with its combination of sparkling water, orange, lime, and raspberries. If you prefer still drinks, simply replace the sparkling water with flat water.

Strawberry-Basil Water

This drink is a twist on plain water, with the sweetness of strawberries and the refreshing herbal flavour of basil. It's a great way to add some flavour to your water without adding any artificial sweeteners or sugar.

Citrus Blackberry Infused Water

A simple yet flavourful combination of citrus and blackberries, this drink is perfect for a hot summer day. The tartness of the blackberries pairs beautifully with the tangy citrus, creating a refreshing and healthy drink.

Ginger Mint Detox Herbal Tea

This drink combines the sweetness of mint with the zing of ginger, creating a flavourful and healthy beverage. Ginger is known for its ability to keep hunger at bay, making it a great choice if you're looking for a drink that can help curb your cravings.

Tropical Delight

If you're craving a tropical vacation, this drink will take your taste buds on an exotic journey. A combination of kiwi, pineapple, mango, and orange, this fruit-infused soda is a fun and healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Melon Melody

This drink is a perfect choice for a hot summer day. Watermelon and cantaloupe are mostly water, so they add a subtle sweetness to the drink while keeping it light and refreshing. You can also add some strawberries and a sprig of mint for an extra flavour boost.

These recipes are just a few examples of how you can use fruit-infused soda to cut down on beer and promote weight loss. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fruits, herbs, and spices to find your favourite flavour profiles. Not only will you be reducing your calorie intake, but you'll also be increasing your water intake, which is essential for a healthy body and mind.

Frequently asked questions