DRINKING WINE ON A DIET

You're on a diet and super motivated, and Monday through Friday has been a breeze. But then the weekend comes round, and you meet up with friends who greet you with beer and chips... Now you're in a bad mood and want to go home... or give in to temptation. But there's good news. Exquisite, tasty, with an aroma to die for. Plus, it leaves a good taste in your mouth and adds a touch of gastro-glamour. Alcohol is fattening, we all know that, but in the end so is everything, except for air. Opting for drinks that are low in calories and sugar works wonders for shedding our guilt—and extra kilos.

Let's start by saying that wine is food. Now take a moment to prepare your best “surprised emoji face,” because... wine helps us lose weight! How? Scientists at Purdue University in Indiana have shown that resveratrol found in red wine can aid weightloss. To be exact, the wonderful natural substance in question is called piceatannol. It is a metabolite of the famed antioxidant anthocyanins (responsible for red grape pigment) that blocks the cellular processes that allow those unfortunate fat cells to develop.

As for calories... We all know that beverages with higher alcohol content also contain more calories. By this rule of thumb, spirits are far more fattening that wines (we're talking 40 ABV versus 13 ABV). Alcohol contains empty calories, which have no nutritional value, but provide a lot of caloric energy. The body absorbs this “extra” energy, which doesn't get burned, but stored as that much-dreaded fat (also known as Michelin rolls, except these don't get any stars). Pure alcohol contains seven calories per gram. If we want to be nitpicky, a glass of red has more calories than a glass of white. But have no fear: pair it with a grilled filet and vegetables or a nice piece of steamed sole, and you're in the clear.

Here's something everyone knows, but rarely talks about: wine makes you hungry. The way alcohol affects our metabolism, however, also helps us burn calories faster than normal. Ultimately, the secret is this: to lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you consume. Want a sommelier's advice? Wine tastes even better after vigorous physical and mental exercise, even when paired with something as simple as a chicken filet and green salad...