Alcohol?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2005
Alcohol?
6
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 12:05pm

I'm wondering what the best choices are for alcohol. I am on day 3 of Phase 2, and I don't like red wine. I like sweeter white wines like Riesling, etc. I like lite beer. What can we have?


I plan on only consuming alcohol occasionally, b/c I always seem to want to eat, and my resolve could go right out the window.


Kate

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
In reply to: katemadison
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 3:14pm

Here's our alcoholic beverage guide:


Drink Up!

Planning on having a couple of drinks to celebrate the holidays? No problem. According to Dr. Agatston, one or two glasses a day of alcohol (except beer) is okay beginning in Phase 2. Just make sure you drink during or right after a meal, since a stomach full of food will slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream - and keep your blood sugar levels steadier. And, of course, you'll want to avoid sugary mixers like fruit juices and regular tonic (opt for diet tonic instead).

Still, not all alcoholic beverages are created equal, since some contain more natural and added sugars than others. Here's a look:

Enjoy, in moderation (limit 2 servings daily):



  • Red and white wine (one serving = 3-4 ounces)
  • Champagne (one serving = 3-4 ounces)
  • Vodka (one serving = 1 1/2 ounces)
  • Gin (one serving = 1 1/2 ounces)
  • Rum (one serving = 1 1/2 ounces)
  • Bourbon (one serving = 1 1/2 ounces)

Avoid:



  • Beer
  • Brandy
  • Port wine
  • Liqueurs (including Kahlua, Bailey's, Amaretto, schnapps, etc.)
  • Sherry
  • Wine coolers (often contain a lot of added sugar)

From the official SBD nutritionist:


Member Question: Occasionally on the weekend I like to have a Bloody Mary. Am I setting myself up for weight gain?


Sandy: During Phase 2, you can reintroduce alcohol. The recommendations are to drink in moderation and with food. Moderation is defined as 1 drink for women and 2 for men. The best choice is wine. However, there are some interesting studies that find other types of alcoholic beverages have health benefits. You can combine distilled spirits with diet soda or sugar-free mixers. A bloody Mary contains primarily SBD-friendly tomato or vegetable juice (some prefer veg. juice) along with hot sauce and a celery stick. Remember to enjoy your alcoholic beverage with food. Enjoy!


Drinking During the Holidays
What fun are the holidays without eggnog, Christmas punch, and champagne? Luckily, if you're in Phase 2, you don't have to give up these special beverages in order to stick to your diet. As always, drink them in moderation (and during or after a meal), and use the following list as your drinking guide:


OK As Is:
Vodka, Rum, Gin, Whiskey, Scotch, Bourbon, Tequila, Wine

Note: Replace sweetened mixers and sodas with their sugar-free counterparts.

OK With Modifications:
Eggnog: Replace cream with skim milk or fat-free half-and-half and sugar with artificial sweetener.
Champagne: Enjoy a glass or two of the extra-brut variety over the holidays starting in Phase 2.
Christmas Punch: Make with sugar-free powdered drink mixes and extra-brut champagne.

Avoid, If Possible:
Dessert Wines, Flavored Liqueurs, Wine Coolers

Note: If you choose to drink, make sure you do so during or right after a meal, since a stomach full of food will slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream — and keep your blood-sugar levels steadier.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-02-2006
In reply to: katemadison
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 4:55pm
I gave up beer last summer and replaced it with Icepicks. They are vodka and plain iced tea, with or without a lemon wedge and/or artificial sweetener. I like mine with lemon, without sweetener.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2005
In reply to: katemadison
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 7:27pm

Thanks Cathy! I read somewhere (a Daily Dish maybe?) that Lite Beer is all right on South Beach. I will have to search to find where I saw that.


Could someone please ask

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2005
In reply to: katemadison
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 7:55pm

Kate -

The stance on beer has lightened some since the book was published, the ultra-low carb beers are fine "occasionally in moderation", the same rules that apply to wine and such (Michelob Ultra, Rolling Rock Green Light, and Aspen Edge are some examples) They have even less carbs/calories than regular "light" beer. Our fav is Rolling RockGreen Light.



















spring06sig2
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2005
In reply to: katemadison
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 9:12pm

That sounds good! I will have to try that!


Kate

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2005
In reply to: katemadison
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 9:14pm
Thanks so much, Michael Ann!