In order for you to use alcohol, there are some points to remember.

1. Check with your physician regarding the use of alcohol.
   
2. Alcohol tends to lower the blood sugar, especially if you take insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent.
   
   Never drink on an empty stomach.
   
   Have your alcoholic beverage with your meal, right befor you eat, or immediately after your meal.
   
   Concentrated drinks such as straight alcohol "on the rocks" are more rapidly absorbed than than diluted drinks.
   
3. Alcohol is high in calories.
   
   This presents a major problem for individuals on weight loss diets. In addition, a generous intake of alcohol may lead to an increased appetite and result in over-eating. It may be wise to totally avoid alcohol until the desired weight loss is achieved.
   
   If you do wish to use an alcholic beverage, make a wise choice, use a low calorie alcoholic beverage.
   
   Do not eliminate other foods to allow for alcohol in your diet.
   
   

4. The table below will help you recognize the caloric values of alcohol. Fermented beverages such as beer and wine are sources of carbohydrate as well as calories.

   Amount	Type	Calories
   12 oz. 12 oz. 1 oz.   3 oz.	Beer Lite Beer Rum, Gin, Vodka, Whiskey, (80 proof) Dry Wine	160 Calories 70-110 Calories 90 Calories   70 Calories

5. Avoid sugary, sweet drinks such as:
   
   Daiquiri
   Mai Tai
   Manhattan
   Margaritas
   Tom Collins
   Slow Gin Fizz
   Sweet Wines (Mogan David, etc.)
   Amaretto
   Liqueurs

6. Use acceptable beverage mixes for alcohol such as:
   
   Sugar Free Pop
   Water
   Club Soda
   Seltzer
   Perrier Water
   Sugar Free Tonic Water
   Sugar Free Gingerale

Remember, if you use orange juice or grapefruit juice, you have added extra Calories.