#1 Go for spirits
Clear alcohol like vodka, gin and tequila have lower caloric counts, but they're also easier to consume straight, with ice or with soda water, which means there won't be any added calories.
Drinking alcohol will add to the overall calories we consume each day. Calories from alcohol are 'empty calories', meaning they have little nutritional benefit. So consuming extra calories through drinking can lead to weight gain.
Why do so many of us get so fat? the answer appears obvious. “The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight,” the World Health Organization says, “is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended.” Put simply, we either eat too much or are too sedentary, or both.
Drinking alcohol can impair the functions of the glands that release hormones and the functions of the tissues targeted by those hormones, which can result in a range of health issues. "Alcohol consumption causes increased levels of the hormone cortisol, which has been linked to weight gain," Maurin said.
Red Wine. Red wine is widely recognized as one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks out there. Poon notes that it's "relatively low in calories and also offers some health benefits."9 She adds that red wine is rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol and proanthocyanidins and can promote cardiovascular health.
Generally, beer has more calories than wine, but the calorie difference in the two primarily comes from the leftover carbohydrates in beer, as the sugar content for most wines is fairly low.
Red wine drinkers have less stomach fat than those who drink beer, white wine, or spirits, a study suggests. Registered nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert said red wine is more likely to be consumed in moderation, which could cut back on calories.
That excess is then stored as body fat. According to a study conducted at Oxford, that fat can show on the scale in as little as four hours.
"Hard liquor contains more alcohol than beer or wine, making it more dangerous for your liver," continues Coleman. "A single shot of 80-proof hard liquor contains about 15 grams of alcohol and most shots contain even more alcohol than this." Another alcoholic beverage also takes a considerable toll on your liver.
Wine is known for its magical powers on your skin. This alcohol is best used for removing dead skin cells and fighting pigmentations. It boosts the blood circulation and repairs the damaged skin cells. Not only this, drinking wine gives your skin the blinding glow from within.
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
Beer and wine, for example, are the least intoxicating drinks but will cause the strongest odor. A much stronger drink, such as scotch, will have a weaker odor. And vodka leaves virtually no odor at all.
When you drink, the dehydrating (or 'diuretic') effect of alcohol means your skin loses fluid and nutrients that are vital for healthy-looking skin. This can make your skin look wrinkled, dull and grey, or bloated and puffy. Dehydrated skin may also be more prone to some types of eczema.
The short answer is yes: blood testing can show heavy alcohol use. However, timing plays a significant role in the accuracy of blood alcohol testing. In a typical situation, blood alcohol tests are only accurate six to 12 hours after someone consumes their last beverage.
Bloating is one of the most common effects drinking alcohol can have on the body. Most people are familiar with the term “beer belly,” the name for the stubborn fat that tends to form around your middle if you are a frequent drinker.
Alcohol can contribute to excess belly fat
Extra calories end up stored as fat in the body. Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar can quickly lead to weight gain. We can't choose where all that extra weight ends up. But the body tends to accumulate fat in the abdominal area.
You can't go wrong if you choose from the following: liquor, red or white wine (the drier the better), Champagne, or light beer. Anything with a B- rating or higher from this incredibly helpful list should get you where you need to go without doing excessive damage to your waistband.