If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve likely made some significant changes to your diet, such as cutting out high-calorie processed foods and replacing them with healthier alternatives. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that the beverages you drink can also play a significant goal in your ability to lose weight.
For example, sugary beverages are one common culprit of weight gain. And, unfortunately for those of us who enjoy a few cocktails every now and then, alcohol is also one major offender. While some types of alcohol may not put you at too much risk of weight gain when consumed in moderation, there are a few options out there that experts recommend avoiding as much as possible.
To discover one of the worst high-calorie alcoholic drinks that could be holding you back from your weight loss goals, we spoke to registered dietitian Scott Keatley. He said that you should steer clear of margaritas this summer if you’re after a flatter belly. Learn more about how this tasty but detrimental beverage could lead to weight gain below.
How margaritas lead to belly fat
Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a few tacos and a refreshing margarita. However, if you're trying to lose weight this summer, Keatley says it's best to limit your intake of this popular cocktail as much as possible.
"Margaritas can be particularly detrimental to weight loss efforts for several reasons," he says. For starters, the calorie content of this drink is often through the roof. "Margaritas are typically made with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and sometimes sugar or simple syrup. The combination of these ingredients can result in a high-calorie cocktail. The addition of sweeteners and mixers further increases the calorie count (300+)," Keatley notes.
One of the main culprits of weight gain here is all the sugar. "The sugar content in margaritas is quite high, especially when pre-made mixes are used (35-50g of sugar per 4oz serving)," he says. It's no secret that consuming too much sugar can lead to a range of health issues—including weight gain, as your body turns excess sugar into fat.
The alcohol itself is also reason for concern, especially if you're trying to shed a few pounds. "Alcohol consumption slows down the body's ability to burn fat. When you consume alcohol, your liver prioritizes processing it over metabolizing other nutrients, including fat," Keatley explains.
This is all especially troubling when you consider the fact that margaritas have typically large serving sizes. "Margaritas are often served in oversized glasses, which means you might be consuming more calories than you realize," Keatley says. "A single large margarita can contain as many calories as an entire meal." Yikes! Guess it's time for a new signature drink...
How to enjoy alcohol while losing weight
Of course, cutting out alcohol altogether is one great way to speed up your weight loss journey. However, if this is a daunting task, don't worry. There are ways to enjoy alcohol without sacrificing your health goals altogether.
Keatley recommends limiting your alcohol intake to one or two drinks per occasion and avoiding binge drinking. "Opt for soda water, diet sodas, or freshly squeezed juices to keep the calorie count low," he suggests, noting that options like vodka soda or even a glass of red wine can keep your sugar and calorie consumption low.
"Drink water before and during alcohol consumption to stay hydrated and help prevent overindulging," he concludes. If you stick to these guidelines (and find the willpower to resist margaritas whenever possible) in addition to following a great workout routine and prioritizing healthy foods, you'll be on track to a healthier body.
READ MORE: Why Beer Is Better Than Cocktails For Weight Loss, According To Dietitians
