Alcohol has been shown in studies to increase both food intake and energy expenditure, which means that it is the perfect ‘fattening’ drink. However, consuming alcohol in this way is harmful. It is best consumed in moderation, and alongside a healthy diet and physical activity, to enhance your weight loss efforts.
Red Wine
Red wine is undoubtedly one of the most popular types of alcoholic beverage, and for good reason. It is often described as ‘food’ and ‘drink’ blended into one, and that is what makes it so appealing. As well as being a food and drink hybrid, red wine also contains antioxidants, which act as small fighters in your body, battling and defending your cells against damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that have an unstable, negatively charged electronic configuration caused by the presence of an unpaired electron. These unstable molecules are highly reactive and can lead to cell damage and premature aging. The antioxidants in red wine are able to take a free radical and change it into a harmless molecule. So, whilst red wine may not be the healthiest choice available, it is highly nutritious.
White Wine
Whiter wines tend to be more affordable than red wines, which means they are more accessible to the general public. White wine is made using different grapes to red, with lemons dominating the varieties instead of red fruits. Despite its affordability, white wine tends to be poorly absorbed by the body and lacks the nutrients of red wine. It has high acidity, which makes it more refreshing for hot summer days and nights! However, like red wine, white wine is a rich source of antioxidants, which act in a similar way to that of red wine, protecting the body’s cells against damage caused by free radicals.
Champagne
Champagne is one of the most prestigious and expensive types of wines. Made in France, the wines of Champagne are characterized by their rich, creamy texture and high alcohol content (typically between 10 and 12%). This luxurious drink is not recommended for weight loss purposes as it is high in calories. However, there are healthier and more eco-friendly options to achieve the same feeling of exhilaration without harming your waistline.
Prosecco, another Italian wine, is often described as ‘Champagne for people who want to avoid eating pasta’. Similar in style to Champagne, it is made using the same grapes but with different production techniques. Whilst Champagne is made using traditional methods, where grapes are stored in cellars underground, Prosecco is harvested above ground, resulting in it having a fresher and more vibrant flavor.
Both wines are rich in antioxidants and can act in a similar way to that of red wine, fighting against the damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidants present in champagne are able to protect the body’s cells from harm at a molecular level, allowing the drinker to indulge their taste buds whilst still slimming down.
Whisky
Whisky is another option that can be used to flavor food or drink, with some varieties even being known to have health benefits. This type of alcohol is made using grains such as corn, wheat, and rye. It can be consumed in moderation, helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels whilst still achieving weight loss. Its smooth texture makes it easy to drink, and it is often described as having ‘fattening’ and ‘biting’ qualities. This is because it encourages the body to retain more water, resulting in a bloated feeling. Bites from insects are also prevented by drinking whisky, meaning it is environmentally friendly as well as being beneficial for health reasons.
Whisky can be expensive to purchase and has a limited distribution, meaning that it is often difficult to find. It is therefore not an economical choice for the average person. If you do decide to give it a try, be sure to purchase organic varieties, as these are generally more expensive and have a more pleasant taste.
Vodka
In some parts of Europe, vodka is more popularly drunk than tea or coffee. Typically, vodka is low in calories and can be used to flavor food or drink. It has also been known to have health benefits. This drink is made using grains such as wheat and rye, and it is easy to digest, making it a popular choice for individuals with diabetes. Vodka encourages the body to release toxins, resulting in clean living, and it also aids sleep, promoting relaxation and lowering the body’s cortisol levels. Vodka helps the body to adjust to and recover from stress, making it a worthy addition to any healthy lifestyle regime.
The type of grain used to make vodka affects its nutritional value. Rye contains more nutrients than wheat, meaning that it is more suitable for human consumption. Despite this, vodka made using rye is more expensive than that made with wheat. If you decide to give vodka a try, make sure to purchase organic varieties that are more environmentally friendly.
Martini
If you are looking for a drink that is elegant in styling and has a high nutrient content, then Martini might be the alcoholic beverage for you. The drink is made using dry and vermouth, wine, and vodka, with gin and rum also being used to flavor some varieties. It is sometimes served in a chilled glass, sometimes with a twist, resulting in the beautiful green and white swirls you see when you mix martini with ice. The drink is named after its inventor, Charles Martel, who was the Duke of Angoulême at the time. Martel was the grandson of Charles the Great, who was also known as the Hammer of France for his role in defending France against the invading German forces during World War I.
The ingredients in martini make it a rich source of antioxidants. These compounds are able to fight the damage caused by free radicals, protecting the human body’s cells from harm whilst enhancing the flavor of the cocktail. The antioxidants in martini are able to do this in a similar way to that of red wine, meaning that you can enjoy the benefits of this drink whilst still slimming down.
Red And White Wine
Red wine and white wine are both used to flavor food and drinks, with the varieties being used depending on the region and type of cuisine. Typically, red wine is used for cooking purposes, whilst white wine is drunk cold and sometimes mixed with food. Red wine is also sometimes used to ‘baptize’ food, with pieces of meat or fish often being called ‘frozen wine’, ‘shrimp on the bar’, ‘meatballs’, or ‘tuna melt’ for examples. Typically, this style of cooking is associated with Italian cuisine, with red wine being a staple in the cuisine and often used as the cooking liquid in one of the most beloved dishes, risotto. White wine is often served alongside food, with foodies enjoying this drink with their meal to enhance the flavor.
The variety of grapes used to produce red wine determine its nutrient content. Typically, red wine is high in antioxidants and can also contain resveratrol, which is able to offer protection against cancer and heart disease. The antioxidants and resveratrol present in red wine are able to protect the body’s cells against damage caused by free radicals.
White wine is sometimes used to ‘freshen’ or ‘revitalize’ food that has been preserved using heat or salt, with this type of food often being accompanied by a white wine vinegar salad or potato salad. This is because white wine is often used to ‘absorb’ or ‘remove’ some of the fat and acidity from the food. White wine is also sometimes used as a medium for cooking, with dishes such as risotto being made using this food as an ingredient. White wine is made with different grapes to red, with lemons dominating instead of red fruits as in red wine. This makes it more acidic, with this acidity often being used to ‘freshen’ food that has been preserved using heat or salt, or to add some ‘zing’ to dull food that has been cooked using a more gentle heat method.
Mixed Drinks
Mixed drinks, sometimes referred to as ‘combinations’, are made using spirits and/or wine, often in combination with soft drinks like beer or lemonade. These drinks are made to order at restaurants and bars, with mixologists creating new varieties to add to the collection and offer clients new tastes and experiences. Some of the most popular mixed drinks are found in bars throughout Europe, with patrons often ordering these drinks to accompany their meal.