Bartenders - They Might Make You Fat

Some folks head out for dinner on Christmas Eve. You one of them? If so, watch your drink, say the nutrition experts at Good Housekeeping magazine. Yep, gotta pay attention, because your bartender might slip more alcohol in your glass than you really want. Well, maybe you do want it. It is a tough economy, after all, and it's nice to occasionally get a little more bang for your buck. But do you want more calories, too?

Research says that when you order a cocktail, wine or draft beer by the glass, bartenders usually pour 22 to 43 percent more than a standard serving. Why? Because if a drink seems abundant, customers are less likely to be put off by the high cost. Wait. If they're pouring more, isn't it costing them more? Is there really any benefit to padding a high-cost drink with more alcohol? Hmmm. Doesn't matter. It's the calories, man. You don't need them.

Do this: Have just one drink. It'll do your waistline good. Your pocketbook too.