Most college students know all too well about the unwanted weight changes alcohol use can contribute to (not to mention all the regrettable inebriated decisions). But is there a way to keep your weight under control without having to cut back on thirsty Thursdays and weekend parties?

It’s easy to lose track of how many calories you are consuming when you are drinking them. For example, say you have five beers, which typically have 145 calories in each 12 oz. can. That’s 725 calories, and is equivalent to eating three hamburgers at McDonalds. By drinking light beer you can save yourself an average of 42 calories per can, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but depending on how heavy you drink, it can really add up.

For those of you who aren’t beer drinkers, a 1.5 oz. shot of any 80 proof liquor has about 100 calories. However, if you fancy something fruity, like Mike’s Hard Lemonade for instance, you’ll be downing 240 calories in one 11.2 oz bottle. Having four Mike’s Hard Lemonades in one night would be like eating five servings of vanilla ice cream.

As if the amount of calories in alcohol weren’t bad enough, according to calorie-counter.net, “Most beers are largely empty calorie foods – meaning they contain calories but only small amounts of nutrition.”

Along with opting for light beer, WebMD.com recommends having your mixed drinks made with diet soda or low calorie juices if your worried about you’re figure. WebMD also suggests drinking a low calorie beverage between alcoholic drinks, “This strategy not only reduces the risk of over-consuming calories and alcohol, but it also helps you stay hydrated so your head will thank you in the morning!”

Drinking organic beer is a fairly new option that is not only better for your body, but better for the environment. According to greenamericatoday.org, the ingredients in organic drinks are not sprayed with toxic herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers, which pollute the environment and are responsible for killing millions of birds and fish each year. The Environmental Protection Agency said many of these pesticides are harmful to humans as well.

While excessive drinking is never healthy, it can be made healthier. Whether you choose to switch to drinks with fewer calories or run a few extra miles after drinking, your weight doesn’t have to be another thing you blame on the alcohol.

Megan Westemeier can be reached at 581-7942 or

mmwestemeier@eiu.edu