Nutrition

Ask The RD

Do you have a question for the Dietitians at SHS? Type your question below and we will email you back with the answer. Check out the examples below.

• Do Vodka and other hard liquors have a high caloric density?
• What's a good late night snack?
• Why does the body want to eat after drinking socially?

Do Vodka and other hard liquors have a high caloric density?

• Hard alcohol is measured by its proof. Whatever the proof of the drink is you add 20 to that to get the amount of calories.

  For example: a 1.5 oz. shot of Vodka that is 80 proof would be 100 calories per serving (80 proof + 20 = 100 calories. So the higher the proof the higher the caloric density of the drink.

What's a good late night snack?

• A good snack to have at night would be something around 300 calories or less. Ideally something with a mixture of carbohydrates, protein and fat in order to satisfy hunger and keep your blood sugar from getting too high.

  Here are some healthy examples:

  • Apple or banana with peanut butter
  • Low-fat yogurt with granola
  • Rice cakes with reduced fat cream cheese
  • Crackers with low fat cheese
  • Hummus on whole wheat crackers or pita bread
  • Pudding cup
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks
  • Trail Mix (in moderation - come to Nutrition Services for some recipe ideas)
  • Veggies with low fat dip or salad dressing
  • Whole grain cereal with milk

Why does the body want to eat after drinking socially?

• Studies have found consuming alcohol without food can increase appetite. Alcohol stimulates a number of neurochemical and peripheral systems implicated in appetite control including leptin a hormone found in the bodies fat tissue which controls appetite. High levels of leptin, signal to the brain that the body's "full" and to stop eating. When alcohol is consumed leptin levels are low.