Alcohol: Tips & Helpful Calorie Guide

Alcoholic Calories & Snack Equivalents

175ml glass of wine (12%)

133 calories

= 3 Jaffa cakes

Fortified wine double measure (50ml)

77 calories

= 10 jelly babies

50ml glass of cream liqueur (17%)

153 calories

= 1 wagon wheel

Gin double measure (40%)

95 calories

= 1 milky bar

Pint of beer (5%)

239 calories

= 1 Mars bar

Bottle of alcopop (4%)

172 calories

= 2 chocolate digestives

Whilst we all know that alcohol is not good for us, we understand that balance is important and for long term results, we need to be able to enjoy some evenings out for dinner and drinks if we want to.

Remember it’s recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. That's around 6 medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or 6 pints of 4% beer.

There is no completely safe level of drinking, but sticking within these guidelines lowers your risk of harming your health.

Hopefully these calories may be helpful if you are tracking your calories and you can make a more informed decision when you pick your drink.

Tips To Cut Down

1. Have a game plan

Use the Drink Free Days app to set yourself a weekly unit target and stick to it. But if one week you do go over your limit, don't stop trying – next week is a fresh start.

2. Switch from stronger stuff

Choose drinks that are lower in alcohol. Try lighter beers – under 4% ABV. As a rule of thumb, white and rosé wines are lower in strength than reds. Or try swapping some or all of your drinks for no or low-alcohol alternatives.

3. Stick with it!

It might take a bit of time to get used to the change from your usual choices, so if you notice a difference in taste with lower-strength drinks, do not give up! There are so many options, it's likely there's one out there for you – and switching means you can enjoy the health benefits of drinking less without losing your social life.

4. Shake up your social plans

Going for drinks is not the only way to see friends. You could watch a film, meet up for breakfast, grab a coffee and go for a walk, go bowling, head to the gym or sign up for a class to do together, for instance.

5. Set a booze budget

Sticking to a budgeted amount for alcohol can be a good way to drink less. If you are going out, try taking only the exact cash, or set up a spending alert on your card.

6. Write off the rounds

Being involved in rounds makes it easy to end up drinking more than you meant. Try to avoid them if you can, and do not feel like you have to say yes to a drink just because someone else is buying. There's always next time.

7. Only wine and dine

Waiting for your evening meal before you have a drink – and having your first only once you've started eating – is another simple way to help you cut down.

8. Beat boredom

If a drink is a way you handle boredom or stress, try finding something else to do instead. Exercise is a great stress reliever, and simple things like cleaning, a new hobby or DIY can be a good way to occupy mind and body.

The benefits of drinking less

You too could feel the difference! Many people who reduce their alcohol intake notice benefits, which can include those below.

Short-term benefits:

- Feeling better in the mornings

- Being less tired and more energetic

- Better-looking skin

- Saving some money

Long-term benefits:

- Lower blood pressure

- Lower risk of stroke, hypertension, cancer and liver disease

- Lower cholesterol levels

- Better mood, memory and quality of sleep