Alcohol Units

The NHS has produced Daily Recommended Allowance (DRA) guidelines for alcohol unit intake for both men (3-4 units) and women (2-3 units). For more detailed information see Alcohol Concern or Drinkaware. Calories:

Another aspect not much thought of in relation to alcohol is calorie contents. The DRA for women is 2,000 calories and 2,500 for men - with 3,500 calories producing 1lb of fat - it is easy to see how the calories can pile up. Alcohol contains mostly ‘empty calories’ that have no nutritional value, only proving energy (sugars) and insignificant minerals and vitamins. Below are examples showing their food equivalents:

White wine (175ml) = 2.1 units = 130 cal = a bag of crisps

Red wine (175ml) = 2.1 units = 120 cal = a slice of cheese & tomato pizza

Lager/beer (1 pint) = 2.3 units = 170 cal = a small sausage roll

Cider (1 pint) = 3.4 units = 200 cal = a mince pie

Tequila (25ml) = 1 unit = 160 cal = a doughnut 

Alcopop (275ml) = 1.4 units = 200 cal - a chicken drumstick