When it comes to your weight-loss plan, you're a pro at loading up your plate with tons of veggies, packing in lean protein, and making sure your calories are coming from healthy foods. But there's one place you're probably losing focus: the bar.Next time you're sizing up the drink menu, the number one thing to keep in mind is the mixer, says Keri Gans, RD, author of The Small Change Diet. "Almost all shots of alcohol are about the same nutritionally—it's what we have with it that makes a difference in the drink," she says. That's right, there's really not a huge difference between vodka and gin (or whiskey, rum, bourbon, scotch, and tequila).
For better boozing habits, follow three main rules. First, keep it simple: If you can take your gin neat with a squeeze of fresh lime, your waistline will be better off than if you went for the standard, sugar-loaded G&T (yeah, there's sugar in that tonic water). Second, stay away from mixed drinks that include more than one alcohol. "Once you start using more than one type of booze, your calories really start to get up there," says Gans. "A Long Island Iced Tea? Forget it." Finally, stay far away from frozen drinks—they're total sugar bombs. "Do not have a frozen drink if you're watching your weight," she says.
Vodka
One shot contains: 97 calories, (0 sugar, 0 carbs)
Best drink: Vodka sodaZero calorie seltzer might be basic but it also helps you stay within your calorie budget. Add a squeeze of fresh fruit for a little more pizazz.
Worst drink: Sex on the beach
In general, stay away from juice mixers, says Gans. They can up your sugar count fast. (That means no vodka cranberries or vodka lemonades). The peach schnapps in a sex on the beach will really put your vodka over the edge with roughly 336 calories and 32 grams of carbs and sugar. Ouch.