How to lighten your drinks

Here are some tips for cutting the calories, carbohydrates and fat in alcoholic beverages:

• Go for lighter choices. In general, wine, champagne and light beers are three of the healthier options. Still, be aware that they aren’t calorie-free — light beers, unlike diet sodas, may have 100 or more calories per can.

• Dilute your orders. Turn a glass of wine into a spritzer by mixing in seltzer water and a slice of lemon, or a beer into a shandy with soda water. You’ll have a bigger drink with fewer calories.

• Ask for extra ice. The cubes will make your serving of alcohol smaller and let you nurse each drink longer.

• Alternate drinks. If you’re having more than one alcoholic drink, get a glass of water or diet soda between each order.

• Eat something. Food in your stomach will slow the rate your body absorbs alcohol.