Drinking on a Diet

Alcohol is a no-no when dieting, but if you make the right choices, it doesn't have to be. You just have to make sure you're choosing the right drinks -- as in, the ones with the fewest calories. These days, it's not hard -- you can buy beer that has less than 70 calories a bottle, and your local liquor store is sure to be full of sugar-free, low-cal and low-carb versions of your beer or cooler. If that doesn't float your boat, a glass of white or red wine is generally low in calorie, as is clear liquors such as vodka or gin, which you can enjoy with a no-calorie mixer like soda water or diet soda.

What should you avoid? Sugary cocktails made with packaged mixers, like magaritas, will add inches to your belly in no time.