Wine has become a popular addition to our social lives since the "French Paradox" broke the news in the 90's. But despite the thought that adding wine to your diet will lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, there are other things to consider, such as calorie content, other effects on your health, and lifestyle. Let's start with the basics.
Wine is made from grapes and contains sugar and alcohol. Based on the type of grape, how long its on the vine and the alcohol content, the calorie content varies. However, a general rule of thumb is that one glass of wine (5 ounces) is 100-120 calories. There are no nutrients in this glass of wine...just empty calories. So it may be easy to see how drinking calories can really add up across a night of socializing with friends.
The French Paradox showed that people who consumed 1-3 glasses of wine per day had less incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, they found that these people tended to lead healthier lifestyles by consuming healthier diets and participating in regular physical activity - both of which may have contributed to the lower incidence of CVD.
The take-home message is to be aware of the calories you are drinking. If you know you are going to an event and will be drinking, plan ahead for those calories - do 20 minutes of cardio, eat a healthier lunch. There are little ways to cut corners and save yourself 100 calories here and there to make you feel less guilty about drinking wine later in the day. For instance, take off the piece of cheese or eat an open-faced sandwich with one piece of bread. All in moderation and you will be fine!
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