ALCOHOL UPS AMERICANS DAILY CALORIE INTAKE: STUDY

As more and more restaurants post calories as a way for consumers to track their intake, there is a big number missing from the menu – alcohol.

As more and more restaurants post calories as a way for consumers to track their intake, there is a big number missing from the menu – alcohol. Americans consume an average 100 calories a day from alcoholic beverages, according to a report from the NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS (NCHS), reports The latest Food Institute Report. On a given day, 32.7% of men and 18% of women consume calories from alcoholic beverages. Men are taking in more calories from alcohol than women; about 150 versus a little more than 50 calories. Older men consume less than younger ones, with those age 60 and up consuming 90 calories per day to 175 on average for men 20-to 39-yearsold. Younger women, similarly, 20- to 39-years-old take in more calories from alcohol, about 60 a day – than women 40- to 59-yearsold, who consume about half that amount – 33 calories a day. No surprise, Beer is the biggest contributor in alcoholic caloric intake for men. On average, men consume more alcoholic beverage calories per day from beer (103 calories) than from liquor (34 calories) and wine (12 calories). In both men and women, average calories from beer decreases with age. Here’s the sad but telling fact: On a given day, alcohol contributes 16% of American’s daily caloric intake from added sugars. That amounts to more than recommended, according to Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. For most people, no more than 5% to 15% of calories should be from solid fats and added sugars. So as we approach the New Year, remember when you raise your glass, you may want to think about a glass half empty.