Smart Sips

It seems as though you can't turn the page of a newspaper or magazine without reading about a new study touting the health benefits of moderate alcohol intake. But when you're trying to lose weight, it's best to skip sipping—at least for a while. The reason: Alcohol can stimulate appetite, according to studies.

Still not convinced to pass on the Pinot? Check out the calorie counts of some common drinks: A 5-ounce glass of wine has about 100 calories; a bottle of beer has 150 calories; 1.5 ounces of spirits contain 95 to 110 calories; and cordials and liquors have about 160 calories in each 1.5 ounce. At seven calories per gram, alcohol is almost as energy dense as fat and nearly twice as caloric—gram for gram—as carbs and protein. In fact, some of the cocktails you can order at bars or restaurants contain almost as many calories as a full meal. That's tough to swallow!

Another downside to drinking: Alcohol can loosen your inhibitions. So, not only are you likely to drink more than you normally would, but you'll probably eat more, too. And chances are, you're not going to be choosing healthy options. (Just think of typical bar fare: Wings, quesadillas and chips.)

So, what can you do at events where friends will be drinking? Use these tricks to stay on track:

• Go prepared. Have plenty of water and maybe even a light meal before you leave for the get-together. When you're full, you'll feel less like drinking. • Be ready to say no. You know that you're probably going to be offered a drink, so be ready with a quick and polite, 'no thanks.' The faster you turn down the offer, the easier it will be for you to stick to your decision. • Try a non-alcoholic drink. Be creative: Mix seltzer with a little pomegranate, cranberry or mango juice. Add a lime wedge and you're all set. It's fizzy and colorful, so people won't even know that you're not drinking. • Eat instead. This may seem counterintuitive, but if you choose healthy snacks, like crudite or even shrimp cocktail, you can save yourself a bunch of calories. • Catch up with pals. Take the focus off of alcohol and instead, spend time mingling and socializing. • Drink while you eat. If you do drink, have just one and sip it with your meal. This can help slow the effects of alcohol, so you'll feel full before you're tempted to reach for another glass.