If you've ever been on a diet, you've probably ordered a vodka soda at a bar. For women trying to lose weight, this sugar-free mixed drink feels like a safe bet—but that may not always be the case.
Nutritionist Karen Ansel, (MS, RDN) told INSIDER you should avoid cocktails completely.
Instead, she suggests ordering beer. Yep, a nutritionist recommends the one drink we all thought would completely ruin our healthy efforts.
We know it sounds crazy, but her reasoning actually makes a lot of sense.
"Cocktails to me, they're like the mystery meat of alcoholic beverages. You don't know what's in them, and they can be hiding a lot of calories," Ansel added. The average light beer has around 100 calories per serving, but one cocktail can pack in way more than that.
Ansel recommends ordering light beer in a bottle or can. With a standard container, you can control your portions and avoid a bartender overfilling your glass. That way, you know exactly how much alcohol—and how many calories—you're consuming.
Another beer bonus: you can drink it in moderation. Beer tends to leave you feeling fuller than a mixed drink would, so you're more likely to drink less.
Cheers to that!
(h/t INSIDER)
