Many people do not realise that alcohol can be viewed as a nutrient, just like protein, carbs and fat. Would you ever have thought of it that way?. When consuming alcohol the following is to be remembered:

• Alcohol contains kilojoules and therefore adds extra kilojoules to your daily intake, which can jeopardise your weight management programme
• The human body prefers to use alcohol as an energy source rather than fat. Consuming too much alcohol will therefore diminish fat loss which is counter productive if your'e wanting to reduce weight
• It is better to have an alcoholic drink with a meal or a snack as alcohol is absorbed directly from the stomach and may cause hyperglycaemia if taken on an empty stomach
• Consuming too much alcohol late at night may lead to high blood glucose levels in the morning, especially if you have diabetes. Always take alcohol in moderation and with food.
• Give preference to the following drinks, as they are lower in kilojoules and/or alcohol:
  • Dry or "lite" white wine
  • Dry red wine
  • Wine "spritzer" - wine mixed with soda water
  • Dry sherry
  • "Lite" Beer
  • Spirits such as whisky, brandy, vodka (have asingle tota and top it up again and again with soda water)
• If you are trying to maintain weight, do not consume more than 1-2 units of alcohol for female and 2-3 units for males. This is also a good guide for general health as over consumption predisposes high blood pressure, high cholestrol levels, many types of cancer and osteoporosis amongst others.
• Remember that 1 unit of alcohol is equal to:
  • 125 ml wine or champagne
  • 60 ml sherry
  • 340 ml can or bottle "lite" beer
  • 170 ml regular beer
  • 25 ml of spirits
  • 250 ml "spritzer" at least half should be soda water or ice
  • 170 ml apple cider
  • 80 ml spirit coolers such as Smirnoff Ice