By Theresa Stahl, RD, LDN

Q: I sometimes like to have a glass of wine with dinner. Will this affect my weight-loss efforts?

For some people, a glass of wine with dinner won’t interfere with their weight-loss efforts, but for others, it can sabotage even their best attempts to shed pounds.  Only you can know how your body will be affected, but let me share some interesting facts about alcohol that may help you decide whether or not to pour that next glass of wine:

Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram.  That’s more calories than carbohydrates and proteins (which supply 4 calories per gram) and less calories than fats (which supply 9 calories per gram.)  A serving of wine (about 5 ounces) contains between 90 and 120 calories.  Keep in mind that consuming just 100 calories per day above your calorie needs will promote a 10 pound weight gain over a year. What’s more, many people drink more than a 5-ounce serving of wine.  Next time, try measuring your portion of wine using a liquid measuring tool to find out your typical serving size. 

In addition, follow these 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans regarding alcohol consumption:

•  Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation—defined as the consumption of up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. One serving is defined as 12 ounces of regular beer, five ounces of wine, or one-and-a-half ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.
•  Alcoholic should not be consumed by some individuals, including those who can’t restrict their alcohol intake, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol, and those with specific medical conditions.
• Alcoholic should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.

Here’s another interesting piece of information: Even a small amount of alcohol, such as one serving, may stimulate your appetite.  If this happens, you may end up eating more calories.  Also, alcohol intake can cause decreased inhibitions, which may give you such a carefree attitude that you’re less disciplined when it comes to your calorie intake. 

So, a glass of wine with dinner may be fine for you, but if you notice you’re having trouble losing weight or you’re eating more than you want, you may want to consider cutting back.