June 15, 2003|By Gailor Large | Gailor Large,Special to the Sun
I usually go out with friends for happy hour on Fridays, and it's easy to overindulge in fried-food appetizers and drinks. What is the least caloric alcoholic drink I can order?
Instead of choosing a low-cal drink, I would suggest having a drink that you enjoy and eliminate those excess calories by cutting out the nachos and mozzarella sticks. If you also want to watch what you drink, mix liquor with diet soda, club soda or water (all calorie-free) instead of sugar-packed sodas or tonic water (which has about 90 calories for every 8 ounces).
To give you a rough idea of what calories your favorite drink may be packing, beer has about 125-150 calories for every 12 ounces (light beer is closer to 100 calories), and a glass of wine is 80-140 calories. Sweet frozen drinks will set you back 200 calories, minimum. Three other hints:
* Don't go to the bar on an empty stomach;
* Drink slowly, and in moderation;
* Steer clear of fatty and salty foods (which will make you want to drink more).
Send questions to Fitness, The Baltimore Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, or fax to 410-783-2519 or e-mail fitness@baltsun.com.
