Calories in alcohol pile on the pounds - health warning

TWO pints of lager and a packet of crisps - that’ll be 600 calories!

So the NHS Choices reminds the public about the hidden calories in alcohol as the festive season is in full swing.

NHS Choices - the health information website for the NHS - is reminding the public to keep an eye on how much they are drinking at a Christmas party. Many might not know four pints of premium lager means they are consuming about 1,000 extra calories.

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The recommended daily calorie allowance for men is 2,500 and for women 2,000. With a small glass of white wine containing 130 calories, the same as a bag of crisps and a pint of bitter containing 190 calories, the same as doughnut, it’s easy to see how the party season helps pile on the pounds.

Dr Knut Schroder, GP and spokesman for NHS Choices, said: “Lots of my patients come to me in the New Year having gained weight as they just don’t realise how calorie-laden alcoholic drinks are. While two pints of premium larger and a packet of crisps may not seem a lot, it is in fact the equivalent in calories to an average evening meal. I would encourage people to think about what they’re eating and drinking and consider making healthier choices if they want to avoid weight gain. Good examples are switching to low-alcohol or alcohol-free drinks as well as going easy on mince pies and high-calorie snacks.”

For information about calories in alcohol visit NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/calories-in-alcohol

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