Arielle Cruz
Alcoholic drinks are typically high in calories, sugar, and carbs, and can dehydrate you. They can also lower your inhibitions, making it harder to avoid late-night snacks. This is why alcoholic drinks are so high in Weight Watchers points. Weight Watchers assigns points to items based on their nutritional value, and since alcohol has little nutritional value, it will cost you a lot of points. For example, a standard glass of champagne or prosecco is 5 WW points, and a 5-ounce glass of wine is around 4-5 points. Certain wines and beers can be upwards of 250-350 calories per serving, and mixed drinks can easily reach 1,000 calories or more. However, this doesn't mean that you have to give up alcohol completely while on Weight Watchers. The key is to select beverages that are lower in points, such as light beers, dry wines, or clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila, which are typically 3-4 points per serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol is high in calories | Alcoholic drinks are typically high in calories and sugar and can dehydrate you. |
| Alcohol has almost no nutritional value | Alcohol offers almost no protein, fibre, or any other nutritional benefit. |
| Alcohol lowers inhibition | Alcohol lowers your ability to make good decisions when it comes to food, leading many to compound the alcoholic calories with greasy, cheesy ones as well. |
| Alcohol is allowed in moderation on Weight Watchers | Weight Watchers does not expressly forbid the consumption of alcohol. |
| Alcohol will cost you a lot of points | Alcohol will cost you a lot of points because it is high in calories and has little nutritional value. |
| A single alcoholic drink can eat up 10-15% of your daily WW points allowance | A single alcoholic drink can eat up a large chunk of your daily points allowance. |
| Weight Watchers participants often swap one of their evening glasses of wine with non-alcoholic wine alternatives | Non-alcoholic wine alternatives are available that have a lower points value. |
| Weight Watchers cocktails are already light | Some Weight Watchers cocktails are already light, and you can pair regular clear liquors with diet soda, sparkling waters, or sugar-free mixes. |
| Light beers are typically 3-4 points | Light beers are typically 3-4 points, while full-flavor beers are 5-7 points. |
| Red wine is typically 4 points per 5-ounce glass | Most wines are 4-6 points for a 5-ounce glass, but sweet dessert wines are much higher. |
| Clear liquors are generally 3 points for 1.5 ounces | Clear liquors like vodka, brandy, whiskey, or tequila are generally 3 points for 1.5 ounces. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol is high in calories and sugar, and can dehydrate you
Alcoholic drinks are typically high in calories and sugar and can dehydrate you. They provide plenty of energy without many, or any, essential nutrients. Alcohol can contain more calories than you might think, and these calories have little nutritional value. Certain wines and beers can contain upwards of 250-350 calories per serving, and mixed drinks can easily reach 1,000 calories or more if paired with sugary mixers.
Drinking alcohol can also dehydrate you, which can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, making you more likely to eat more. To stay hydrated, it's recommended to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic drink. Drinking on an empty stomach can also lead to quicker intoxication and poor food choices. It's best to have a meal or a healthy snack before drinking, preferably something with protein, fibre, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Alcoholic drinks vary in their calorie and sugar content, and some are lower in points than others. For example, light beers typically range from 3 to 4 points per 12-ounce serving, while a 5-ounce glass of wine is around 4 to 5 points. Clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila are about 3 points per 1.5-ounce shot. These can be mixed with zero-point mixers like soda water or diet tonic to add flavour without adding extra points.
While Weight Watchers does not expressly forbid alcohol consumption, it's important to remember that it will cost you points due to its high calorie and low nutritional value. A single alcoholic drink can eat up 10-15% of your daily WW points allowance. If you're trying to lose weight, it's generally best to avoid alcohol, but if you're on Weight Watchers, everything is allowed in moderation.
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Alcohol has almost no nutritional value
Alcoholic drinks are typically high in calories and sugar and can dehydrate you. Alcoholic beverages primarily consist of water, alcohol (ethanol), and different amounts of sugar. The calories from alcohol and sugar are considered "empty calories" because they lack other essential nutrients. The body treats alcohol as fat, converting alcohol sugars into fatty acids. Alcohol use inhibits the absorption of nutrients. Not only is alcohol devoid of proteins, minerals, and vitamins, but it also inhibits the absorption and usage of vital nutrients such as thiamin (vitamin B1), vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc.
When there is alcohol in your system, your brain's ability to learn and store new information is inhibited due to the compromising of the hippocampus, a structure deep in the brain vital to the formation of memories. Alcohol use hampers memory and retention. Memory formation is a complex process that takes a long time. Many of your memories are solidified when you are not thinking about the material. In fact, much of memory formation occurs during sleep, which is disrupted by alcohol consumption.
Alcohol use requires increased conditioning to maintain weight. The relatively high calories in alcohol are not available to our muscles. Alcohol calories are not converted to glycogen, a form of stored carbohydrates, and thus are not a good source of energy during exercise. Each drink contains approximately 100-150 empty calories. Alcohol use prevents muscle recovery. In order to build bigger and stronger muscles, your body needs sleep to repair itself after a workout. Because of alcohol's effect on sleep, the body is robbed of the human growth hormone (HGH).
If you're on Weight Watchers, everything is allowed in moderation, even cocktails. If you're looking to relax after a long week without halting your weight loss progress, it's best to choose a drink that is low in SmartPoints. For example, red or white wine is only four SmartPoints per serving. Light beers are three points while full-flavor beers will run you five to seven points. Gin, vodka, and whiskey are generally three points for 1.5 ounces.
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Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making it harder to avoid snacks
Alcoholic drinks are typically high in calories and sugar, and can dehydrate you. Even a few drinks can lower inhibitions, making it harder to avoid snacks. This is why it’s extremely difficult to keep your diet on track while drinking.
Weight Watchers does not forbid the consumption of alcohol, but you will have to pay for those drinks via your points. Alcohol is high in calories and can be high in carbs, with almost no protein, fibre, or any other nutritional benefit. A single alcoholic drink can eat up 10-15% of your daily WW points allowance.
The key to enjoying alcohol on Weight Watchers is to select beverages that are lower in points. For example, light beers are typically 3-4 points per 12-ounce serving. A 5-ounce glass of wine is around 4-5 points, but a sweet dessert wine could be nine or more points for the same serving. Clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila have about 3 points per 1.5-ounce shot.
To avoid the points altogether, you could try a mocktail, which can be just as enjoyable and festive without the alcohol.
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Alcoholic drinks vary in their points value
Clear liquors like vodka, gin, brandy, whiskey, and tequila are generally about 3 points per 1.5-ounce shot. These drinks can be mixed with zero-point mixers like soda water, flavoured sparkling water, or diet tonic to add flavour without adding extra points. A Bloody Mary, made with tomato juice and vodka, is another low-point drink option.
Light beers typically range from 3 to 4 points per 12-ounce serving, while full-flavour beers can be 5 to 7 points. Light red wines are generally higher in polyphenols, which offer health benefits, but they are mostly water, so the benefits come from the small amount of alcohol present. Red and white wines are typically around 4 points per 5-ounce glass, while sweet dessert wines are higher at 9 or more points.
Certain alcoholic beverages are particularly high in points, such as creamy liqueurs, sugary cocktails, and specialty beers, so these should be consumed in moderation or avoided to stay within the points budget. Mocktails are a great option for those who want to avoid the points of alcohol but still enjoy a festive drink.
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It's best to choose low-point options, like light beer
Alcoholic beverages are often high in points on Weight Watchers because they contain empty calories, which have no nutritional value but can hinder weight loss or maintenance goals. These empty calories can also affect your appetite and metabolism, making it challenging to stick to a healthy diet.
While alcohol itself has a high point value, different types of alcohol can vary significantly in their point values. It is best to choose low-point options, like light beer, which typically has fewer points than regular beer due to its lower calorie and carbohydrate content. Light beer is typically lower in alcohol content, leading to a reduced calorie count.
Light beers often have a smoother, more delicate flavour profile than their regular counterparts, making them a refreshing and satisfying option for those watching their weight. They can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet without sacrificing taste or social enjoyment.
When opting for a light beer, it is essential to consider the brand and specific type, as point values can vary within this category. Some light beers may have slightly higher points due to variations in brewing processes and ingredient combinations. Checking the nutritional information and point values beforehand can help make an informed choice.
In addition to light beer, there are other low-point alcohol options available, such as wine spritzers, vodka sodas, or diluted liquor with diet mixers. These choices can help you stay within your daily point budget while still enjoying a drink. However, it is always important to remember that alcohol should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcoholic drinks are typically high in calories and sugar, and can dehydrate you. They offer little nutritional value and can lead to poor food choices.
Opt for drinks that are lower in points, such as light beers, wines, or clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila. Avoid sugary mixers and opt for zero-point options like soda water or diet tonic.
Eat a meal or healthy snack before drinking, and drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated and reduce the likelihood of overeating. Watch your portions and track your drinks to stay within your points budget.
