Cocktail calories for those who care!

[gummyvites]

I know, I know... it's a vacation and NOT time to count calories and such. But I've just recently lost over 40 lbs on weight watchers, so I'm still going to be careful when I cruise in a few weeks.

I found this fun activity on the WW site that helps you compare the calories (or "points") of different cocktails. I'm not even a drinker and I found this activity fun. Even my 5-year-old dd was having fun playing with it. Though she just thought they were smoothies and such. Try it if you have a few minutes. It will help you learn which drinks will do more damage to your middle.

http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=47521&sc=3030

If you don't want to know the answers... don't click on the site!!! I just thought there might be a few people out there who would enjoy it and get some useful info, too. It won't tell you which drink will get you the most "relaxed and happy!"

Karen

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thank you for posting this.

 

[lillygator]

omg! Keep in mind they are based on 4 OUNCES!

 

[Tent Camping Mom]

Cool! How many calories make one point? I count calories on occasion but I don't understand points

 

[lillygator]

it's a formula of calories, fat grams and fiber. On WW you can have x number of points per day to lose weight.

 

[Pocahantas]

I am more of a 12 to 16 oz kinda girl so based on that calculator it looks like I may be gaining a few pounds back on our cruise! Maybe I should lose an extra 5 or 10 to be on the safe side before we cruise .

 

[Anal Annie]

Not only do I drink more like 12 oz drinks I'm one who takes a double! I mostly mix with diet coke tho...

 

[Tent Camping Mom]

Bloody Marys are my favorite and it was one of the lowest points compared to the others. So, I'm assuming 2 points is good

 

[gummyvites]

Okay, it doesn't show actual calories, it shows WW points. Like the previous poster said, pts are based on a formula that includes calories, fat grams and fiber. Calories and fat grams push the points up, fiber brings it down. Most drinks are high in calories, low in fat and fiber. There are probably a few exceptions... like the ice cream based ones would have more fat and the frozen fruit ones have some fiber, etc. Take a look at that Mudslide!

My goal (and I'm still in the "losing" process, not the maintenance) is 21 pts a day, with an extra 35 a week to use however I want. If I exercise, I can trade that for more points, though I usually don't. You can see how quickly you could spend 21 points on drinks and not have any left for dinner or dessert!

What I thought was cool about this for non-WW members was the comparison factor. You could compare the "damage" you would be buying one drink vs another. And that's not even counting the price of the drinks or how you feel the next morning!

Some examples of points values for reference:
regular Hershey's bar: 5 pts
small McDs hamburger: 6 pts
small apple: 1 pts (most fruits are 1 pt)
most vegetables: 0 pts
OJ 8 oz: 2 pts
Coca-cola 8 oz: 2pts
Most regular beers 12 oz: 3 pts
Coffee (black no sugar): 0 pts
ice cream (regular) 1/2 cup: 4 pts

Karen

 

[becka]

A good general guideline (assuming that it is not something extremely high in fat or fiber) is that one WW point = 50 calories.

Thanks for the link OP. It was very interesting although it is not good to know that the only drinks I love are a minimum of 5 pts.

 

[mmouse37]

I know, I know... it's a vacation and NOT time to count calories and such. But I've just recently lost over 40 lbs on weight watchers, so I'm still going to be careful when I cruise in a few weeks.

I found this fun activity on the WW site that helps you compare the calories (or "points") of different cocktails. I'm not even a drinker and I found this activity fun. Even my 5-year-old dd was having fun playing with it. Though she just thought they were smoothies and such. Try it if you have a few minutes. It will help you learn which drinks will do more damage to your middle.

http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=47521&sc=3030

If you don't want to know the answers... don't click on the site!!! I just thought there might be a few people out there who would enjoy it and get some useful info, too. It won't tell you which drink will get you the most "relaxed and happy!"

Karen

Congrats on your efforts and thanks for posting!!!

 

[frdeb1999]

I agree....congrats on your progress!! Wish I could do it!! But I'll still opt for my Bahama Mama!! YUMM

 

[jlw0820]

this is awesome. I have not visited there site in a long time I used to work for ww three years ago. I lost 66 lbs in a year sad to say since i have not worked for them for three years i have put some of the weight back on but I am excited to see the link you found very cool and thanks for sharing