Boston College students are the epitome of fit, especially the ladies. Our diets consist mostly of salads, Chobani yogurts, and fresh fruit. Saying we sometimes exercise would be an understatement. Whether it’s taking a run outside, using an elliptical at the Plex, or attending a cycling class, BC beauties hold calorie-burning pretty high on their list of priorities. So we eat healthy and exercise regularly. This sounds great except for one little problem: alcohol.
On the weekends, thoughts of calories tend to accidentally fly out the window. Late Night aside (calories don’t count when you’re drunk , right?), the amount of calories consumed from alcoholic drinks is enough to frighten any woman. Don’t worry, I’m not saying that BC students need to cut alcohol out of their diets completely. I also don’t suggest trying to use the elliptical long enough to burn all those accidental calories of the night before. Instead, I’ve researched the caloric content of some of BC’s most popular alcohol choices to make us more aware of what’s actually in our drinks.
Beers (per 12 oz or one can):
Bud Light – 95 calories
Keystone Light – 100 calories
Coors Light – 102 calories
Busch Light – 110 calories
Although these may not seem shocking at first glance, keep in mind that this is the caloric content of 12 ounces or one can of beer. In a game of pong alone, you may end up drinking three or four beers… not to mention the shots you pregamed with earlier, which brings us to hard liquor.
Hard Liquor (per 1.5 oz or one shot):
Vermouth – 64 calories
Vodka – 97-124 calories (depending on the proof)
Tequila – 104 calories
Gin – 100-120 calories
Again, these numbers may not seem too high, but then consider how many shots you consume in a night and what you use as chasers and mixers. Soda and some juices are relatively high in calories. To cut back, try using low calorie or calorie-free beverages to chase/mix with your alcohol. For example, diet sodas are a great choice for mixed drinks.
While intoxicated, sometimes what we choose to eat isn’t the healthiest either. Although I joked about drunk calories not counting, we all know they do. Next time you’re at Late Night, try getting a banana (121 calories) or Pop Chips (100 calories) instead of chicken fingers (555 calories) or candy (240 calories in one bag of M&Ms). If you can, avoid going to Late Night at all. If you aren’t in the presence of food, you’re less likely to want or eat those unnecessary calories.
In general, don’t let calorie-counting control your social life. If one night you go out and drink a little too much, exercise healthily the next day. An hour-long Spin class at BC burns 800-1000 calories on average! If you know you’re going to want a cookie later in the night, compromise with yourself and skip those last 2 drinks. Good luck this weekend and remember that being healthy is all about balance!
Sources:
http://www.wastedcalories.com/beercalories.html
http://www.caloriesinvodka.net
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=893
http://foodpro.bc.edu/foodpro/label.asp?locationNum=21&locationName=Lowe…
http://www.mms.com/us/about/products/milkchocolatemms