Monday, August 20, 2012

The Unskinny Truth

   You may have heard of a line of cocktails referred to as Skinnygirl.  Well there is nothing skinny about the drinks and treats that are described in this USA Today story.
   The reporter highlights some alcohol infused frozen treats that have become popular in our heat wave summer.  They include ice cream sandwiches, wine milkshakes and beer pops.
   I want to be very clear that the science supporting the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption do NOT apply to these drinks or desserts.  In fact, we can safely assume that adding cream to the alcohol negates its positive properties.  The health promoting components of alcohol do not include sugar and saturated fat - two things that reduce the quality of ones diet.  
   These ice cream/alcohol combos add both plus a lot of calories  - a LOT of calories. In its pure forms, one and a half ounces (a jigger) of distilled liquor (gin, whisky, scotch, vodka, rum etc), 4 ounces of wine and 12 ounces of light beer all have approximately 100 calories,  zero fat, and only trace amounts of sugar.  These cream laden beverages have ranges of calories between 400 and 1000 calories.
   You can still have them - but don't fool yourself into thinking that you are doing something good for your body.  Once it gets past your mouth - the goodness is over.
   

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