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The first official day of summer might not hit until June 20th, but Mother Nature is clearly just as excited as I am. This weekend's forecast is already screaming sunshine and sandals, which feels perfectly timed for Memorial Day, and I'm here for it! ππΌπ
And what comes with warm weather and a 3-day weekend? Backyard BBQs, cocktails with friends, and a whole lot of "I'll just have one more…" moments.
But no need to panic about all the calories during your weekend fun. You just need balance because you can absolutely enjoy a drink or two and still stay aligned with your goals. But you should know what's really in your glass and some modifications to help you stay aligned with your goals.
πΊ Not All Beers Are Created Equal
Beer and BBQ just go together. It's practically tradition. But when it comes to calories, that bottle can pack more than you'd expect.
- Light beers tend to range from 90–110 calories per bottle.
- Regular beers are usually around 150+ calories.
- Craft beers and IPAs can hit 300–400 calories per bottle, especially if they're higher in alcohol. π―
Side Note: ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume. It's the standard way to measure the percentage of alcohol in a beverage.
For example:
- A beer with 5% ABV means 5% of the liquid is pure alcohol.
- A stronger craft beer might have 8–10% ABV or higher, meaning more alcohol and, therefore, more calories.
- Alcohol has 7 calories per gram (compared to 4 for carbs/protein), so a higher ABV = a higher calorie count.
π₯ Wine, Bubbly & the Better Option
If you're a wine drinker, here's a fun fact:
- Champagne and sparkling wines often have fewer calories than reds or whites. Most champs have around 90 calories per glass, compared to 120–130 calories for a standard glass of wine.
Great excuse to pop some bubbly this weekend! πΎ
πΈ The Mixer Trap
Thinking you'll "just do a vodka soda to be healthy" is a great idea until you toss in a sugary mixer or juice and unknowingly sip your way into dessert territory.
- Tonic water? Not "just water." It has about 80 calories per 8 oz.
- Margaritas, mojitos, and sweetened cocktails can easily top 250–400 calories each.
Even "skinny" versions aren't always that skinny. Always read the label, or better yet, DIY your drink so you're in control.
π‘ How to Enjoy the Weekend Without Overdoing It
Let's keep it simple:
- Pick your priorities: Do you want chips and guac, a few drinks, and dessert? Maybe, but maybe not all in one day.
- Hydrate between drinks: Alternate every cocktail with a glass of water.
- Be mindful: One or two cocktails won't wreck your progress, but six might. Enjoy yourself, but don't forget your goals.
Plan around it: If you know you're having drinks, load up on protein and fiber-rich foods earlier in the day to help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings.
π§ Why This Matters for Weight Loss and Wellness
Alcohol is sneaky. Not only is it calorie-dense, but it also lowers inhibitions, which makes you more likely to say yes to late-night pizza or mindless snacking. It also impacts your sleep (even if you fall asleep faster, the quality suffers), which can throw off hunger hormones and cravings the next day.
And if fat loss is your goal? Studies show that our bodies will always prioritize metabolizing alcohol over burning fat. That doesn't mean you can't drink, but it's something to be aware of if you're aiming for progress.
Final Thoughts (and a Toast to a Fun Holiday Weekend π₯)
Summer and fun weekends should feel easy, fun, and free, and not like a never-ending food log or guilt spiral. You can still enjoy drinks, celebrate with friends and family, and stick to your health goals. It's all about awareness and intention.
So, whether you're reaching for a hard seltzer, a cold glass of bubbly, or a lean protein off the grill, cheers to making mindful choices that support your wellness while still letting you live your life.
Cheers to a sunny, fun-filled, and totally delicious Memorial Day weekend! βοΈπ.
Xx,
Andrea
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