So most semi-intelligent individuals know that alcohol isn't the greatest thing for their bodies. But hey, we love it anyway! Some of us (me) more than others. None of this is news of course, so why am I writing this?

Well let me start off by saying that this semester has been different for me in a few ways. For one thing, my earliest class is at 1:00pm, so I never have to wake up early. Secondly, I am now 21-years-old. So, x + x = alcohol and bars all the time! Wooo.

Actually, not wooo. For the first time in my life, my superb metabolism was failing me. I started putting on pounds where I didn't want them, and I was kind of surprised. I am a frequent weight lifter, so at first I thought I was putting on muscle weight. Then I realized it so, so wasn't. So I did the math, and all of the extra calories I had been taking in due to alcohol consumption (and the food I ate while drunk) was really adding up.

This led me to do some research on how many calories are really in alcohol. For my beer drinkers, 1 can is approximately 154 calories. A five ounce glass of wine is a little better, coming in at 125 calories. And a shot of 80 proof vodka can be just under 100. Of course, just one isn't detrimental, however when you start to add up the drinks consumed in a night, it could end up being around 700 calories or more, depending on the type of drinker you are.

And that's just basic alcohol. Once you add in chasers or mixers, that number can double. Another not so fun fact: a six pack of Mike's Hard Lemonade is 1320 calories. By the way, all of these calories, are completely empty, and offer almost no nutritional value at all whatsoever. I am so sorry if I am making anyone sad with all of these facts. But this is the cold hard truth, and we all need to face it if were going to consume alcohol.

For anyone seriously trying to lose weight, it is quite apparent that alcohol does not help. It is definitely a good idea to try and consume it in moderation, if at all. Considering that alcohol can be a main social aspect of college life, not all of us really want to say goodbye to it just yet. However, my newfound realization of how unhealthy alcohol really is has inspired me to consider saving it for special occasions only once I go home. Maybe this information will inspire others. Thanks for reading!