Ask the expert: Alcohol and weight loss

Question: “Can you still drink alcohol while trying to lose weight?”

– Mike, via email

Expert advice: Many of us enjoy the occasional glass of wine with dinner or a social drink with friends on the weekend. While it is possible to lose weight while still drinking alcohol, too much of it can hinder your progress.

Alcoholic drinks are high in empty kilojoules, meaning they contain very few nutrients but plenty of energy. And the kJs aren’t just from sugar or carbs, as marketers would have you think. They’re from alcohol itself.

Alcohol is also a preferred energy source for our bodies, meaning we burn alcohol for fuel before fat, which slows the rate of fat loss. If weight loss is your goal, it’s best to limit the amount of you drink. Think about cutting down the number of days each week or month you drink, and save it for those special occasions and celebrations. Watch your portion sizes and choose smaller glasses of wine and beer. Alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water will not only cut down the amount of alcohol you drink, it will keep you more hydrated at the same time.

Steer clear of sugary cocktails and alcopops, and opt for lighter options such as sparkling wine or spirits with soda water or sugar-free mixers. Alcohol can also lower our inhibitions, making us more likely to snack or make less healthy food choices while drinking. So if you are planning to have a drink, make sure you have some nutritious snacks available such as crudités with hummus or some unsalted nuts.

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