Wine is often considered a luxurious and sophisticated drink, but it can also be a source of calories and unwanted weight gain. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that drinking wine leads to weight gain.

Consuming wine in moderation while following a healthy lifestyle can provide several health benefits.

Understanding Calories in Wine

Wine is a form of alcohol, which is high in calories. The amount of calories in a glass of wine varies based on the type of wine, the serving size, and the alcohol content. On average, a 5-ounce glass of wine contains 120 to 150 calories.

However, the calories can range from 90 to 200 calories per glass depending on the type and serving size.

Dry wines such as pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and sauvignon blanc tend to have fewer calories than sweet wines such as muscat and riesling.

Additionally, fortified wines such as port and sherry tend to have higher calories due to their higher alcohol content and added sweeteners. It is essential to note that wines with low alcohol content have fewer calories compared to wines with high alcohol content.

Drinking Smart: Tips for Managing Calories While Enjoying Wine

Drinking wine in moderation can provide health benefits, from reducing the risk of heart disease to preventing diabetes. To make the most of these benefits while avoiding unwanted weight gain, consider the following tips:.

1. Watch Your Portion Sizes

A standard serving size for wine is five ounces. To manage calories, consider pouring a smaller pour or using a smaller wine glass to make it easier to maintain the portion size. Furthermore, avoid refilling your glass to prevent excess calories.

2. Choose Dry Wines Over Sweet Wines

Dry wines have fewer calories than sweet wines since they have a lower sugar content. Therefore, choose wines such as pinot noir and sauvignon blanc as they contain approximately 120 to 125 calories per five-ounce serving.

3. Check Alcohol Content

The higher the alcohol content in wine, the higher its calorie content. Therefore, choose wines with lower alcohol content if you want to manage your calorie intake. It is best to look for wines that contain 12% alcohol or less.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water while consuming wine can help you manage your calorie intake and prevent dehydration. Additionally, drinking water before consuming wine can help you manage your alcohol intake as it slows down the rate at which you consume wine.

5. Pair Wine with Healthy Foods

Pairing wine with healthy foods can help you manage your calorie intake. For instance, adding vegetables and lean protein to your meal can help reduce the calorie count in your diet.

Furthermore, avoid pairing wine with high-calorie foods such as chips and chocolates.

6. Engage in Physical Activity

Physical activity can help you burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Consider engaging in physical activities such as walking, cycling or working out after consuming wine to burn off excess calories.

Conclusion

Wine can be part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation. To make the most of the health benefits while avoiding unwanted weight gain, following the above tips can help you drink smart.

Additionally, speak to your healthcare provider about how to incorporate wine into your diet without compromising your health goals.