Nancy Dell: Calories in Alcohol; 2013 Trends/Resolutions

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) -  

1. I have been hypnotized to lose weight but am told I can drink any alcohol I want. How many calories does alcohol have? There is no label.
Peter, Internet

When we look at overall health, including weight management, heart health and reducing cancer risk, experts recommend woman limit alcohol to 1 drink a day and men can have 2 a day and you can't save them up and spend them all on New Years Eve.

One drink equals 100 calories:

• 12 oz. Regular Beer
• 5 oz. glass of wine
• 1 - 1/2 oz. shot of eighty proof distilled spirits like vodka, gin and whiskey

Each of these portions is approximately 100 calories, but some of these fancy beers like The Flying Dog Wild Dog Coffee Stout has 288 calories per bottle.

And remember looks are deceiving. The martini glasses of today can hold a full 8 ounce cup of liquor and add up to 800 calories.

Also be careful of the calories in the soda, juice and mixers that get added to your favorite drink. One cup averages 150 more calories. Even bitter tasting tonic water is high in calories.

What about sweeter drinks like Frangelico and Amaretto? They have less alcohol calories but more sugar calories so they end up being somewhat similar to spirits. One and a half ounces of Frangelico has 106 calories and the same amount of Amaretto is 165 calories.

2. I want to make a New Year's Resolution to improve my diet. What are some of the latest diet recommendations I could aim to do? I already eat pretty well.
Jody, Internet

The food trends for 2013 include avoiding foods with GMOs, genetically modified organisms.

Ninety-percent of the food we eat is genetically modified and some research shows they may make us age more quickly. Foods labeled Organic can not be genetically modified.

You may have had Quinoa in 2012 but for 2013 the trend is to use more unique super-grains, like farro, spelt, millet, and teff. They are higher in fiber, protein and vitamins than rice and wheat in the traditional American diet.

You could also use more plant based proteins from trendy sources like algae and quorn. It is made from an edible fungus into frozen meals like spaghetti and non-meatballs. Sales are skyrocketing.

Finally, look to get your probiotics from yogurts made from almond milk and coconut milk. All fun and healthful foods to add to your diet.