Certain cocktails that are high in sugar and calories can impede your weight loss goals. Not only is alcohol full of “empty calories,” but the ingredients added to disguise its taste can add even more calories, sugar, and fat to your drink.
According to Lynell Ross, certified health & wellness coach, nutritionist, and founder of Zivadream, steering clear of certain cocktails can help keep you on track for weight loss. She recommends avoiding one cocktail in particular: the White Russian.
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A traditional White Russian is made with vodka, Kahlua, and heavy cream. Each ingredient can have a negative impact on your health.
Vodka, the alcoholic base of a White Russian, is full of "empty calories," meaning calories that lack any nutritional value. Weight gain is often related to consuming too many empty calories. With that in mind, drinking vodka while on a diet is counterproductive in itself.
Kahlua, the coffee-flavored liqueur in White Russians adds more empty calories and sugar to your cocktail. Made from rum, sugar, vanilla bean, and coffee, Kahlua can only hurt your weight loss goals. In addition, mixing caffeine (a stimulant) and alcohol (a depressant) makes for a dangerous combination; specifically, the caffeine can blunt the effects of alcohol, leading you to drink more.
Heavy cream is high in saturated fat, which is linked to weight gain, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of heart disease. Ross explains the danger of these ingredients put together: "Not only do you get 500 calories and lots of sugar, but you also get saturated fat from the heavy cream--the trifecta enemy of weight loss."
Instead of ordering a White Russian, Ross recommends trying a lighter drink. She explains, "The bottom line is that if you must have an alcoholic beverage while aiming to lose weight, order a wine spritzer." Made from sparkling water, lemon, and a splash of wine, wine spritzers are a more diet-friendly option.
