It's summer-time in NYC. We all know that as New Yorkers, we suffer through about 8 months of the year in order to live here for the mystical, magical summer months. Months of sidewalk seating, midriffs and booty shorts (not always in good taste), outside films in Brooklyn, stinkier bums and sweaty subway platforms followed by ice cold, pneumonia causing air-conditioned trains. For me, summer means: epic tan lines due to never tanning in an actual bikini (running shorts, sock tan and sports bra), trying to survive with just the fans as long as possible before cranking the AC, and cocktails with friends!! I live in the East Village where all the front doors and windows are open to the street, chalkboards every 10 ft advertise specials (most of them for drinks), and being inside my cute little apartment feels sinful, when there is a nice warm night outside.

Unfortunately, this blog is not a rant about how cool it is to live in NY in the summer. Its about drinking alcohol, and where it fits into your healthy lifestyle. We all know, having no drinks is best for your health. Or is it???....

Rule for life: everything in moderation. Which also applies to drinking. A glass of wine has certain benefits, including antioxidants and lower risk of heart disease. However, being that person that finishes off a bottle of wine has many downsides besides a smaller circle of friends. Here is a cool article from FoodandWine.com about the health benefits of drinking wine.

What is the "healthiest" alcohol to drink?

Red wine is the obvious choice. White wine is a close second because it has all the same benefits of red, minus what is found in the skin (which is removed during the wine making process). Here is a link to a great article from Esquire.com, which lists the benefits of some alcohols. Sorry for the spoiler, but they explain how whiskey is the equivalent of a glass of OJ!!!!


What is the "skinniest" alcohol to drink?

Let's talk numbers. We all know, whether dieting or maintaining, it all comes down to intake versus outtake. So if you want to have a few drinks, the best strategy is to be aware of how many calories you are drinking, and then replace a dessert or extra helping that day with your liquid calories.

Here are the numbers (my numbers are a collection of what a lot of sites are saying, however for a complete list of every alcohol and it's proof AND calories go to MadeMen.com):

*Wine (5 oz glass)= 100 calories
*Liquor (1.5 oz serving)= range 64-119 calories, avg 104 calories
*Beer (12 oz glass)= range 108-216 calories, avg 150 calories

And remember: a shot a day keeps the doctor away!!!! No really!!! Cheers!!!