Alcohol is the most social and common kind of 'drug' we can take, and it's a normal part of our society and socialising to have a few drinks. We've been drinking alcohol for centuries from simple fermented drinks to classy wines, champagnes, and exotic cocktails. There are obvious health and social problems associated with excessive or binge consumption of alcohol, but what about it's effects on people aiming for weight loss?

Just like any food or drink you consume (water excepting) alcoholic drinks contain energy or calories. There are 7 calories per gram of alcohol (29kJ), second only to fat (9 calories per gram) in energy concentration. A 'standard' alcoholic drink or 'unit' contains 8 grams of alcohol, which is equal to 56 calories from the alcohol alone (not to mention sugars that are also sometimes present). Alcohol compares favourably to the energy content of fat at 9 calories per gram, but is worse than protein or carbohydrate at 4 calories per gram.

If you drink alcohol, it is best to do so in moderation. This is defined as not causing intoxication, and consuming no more than 1 beer, 1 glass of wine, or 1 shot of liquor per day if you are a woman and no more than 2 if you are a man.

Wine and other alcohol when used as a nutritional supplement should be sipped with dinner and enjoyed slowly. Studies have shown that wine can be beneficial to health, but is unhealthy when consumed quickly and in large amounts.

Below is a list of empty calories contained in a variety of alcoholic beverages:

BEER
Pure Blonde 1 bottle Calories 107 ( Kilojoules 447 )
VB 1 bottle Calories 146 ( Kilojoules 619 )
Corona 1 bottle Calories 139 ( Kilojoules 584 )
Extra Dry 1 bottle Calories 131 ( Kilojoules 555 )
Hahn Light 1 bottle Calories 210 ( Kilojoules 893 )

WINE
White wine 1 120ml glass Calories 118 ( Kilojoules 492 )
Sparkling 1 120ml glass Calories 78 ( Kilojoules 325 )
Red wine 1 120ml glass Calories 82 ( Kilojoules 342 )

SPIRITS
Vodka 1 nip Calories 64 ( Kilojoules 266 )
Bourbon 1 nip Calories 70 ( Kilojoules 290 )
Rum 1 nip Calories 64 ( Kilojoules 266 )
Whiskey 1 nip Calories 64 ( Kilojoules 268 )

OTHER
Baileys 1 serving Calories 129 ( Kilojoules 539 )
Midori 1 shot Calories 80 ( Kilojoules 335 )

A friendly reminder that tonight (Friday, 23^rd July) we will be having drinks to celebrate/commiserate Nick & Lucy’s farewell from Balmain Fitness. The evening will commence from 8.00pm at The Town Hall in Darling Street, Balmain.

Nick Deverell has been a long standing member of staff at Balmain Fitness for 4+ years, first starting with us on Reception/Membership’s. During May 2010 Nick was appointed Manager after the farewell of Ken Marsh.

During his time Nick’s presence has not gone unnoticed by members as a mad soccer enthusiasts with a keen interest in running. Nick has often been spotted spending majorityof his lunch breaks on the treadmill running for Olympic gold or discussing the most recent score in the English premier league (You’ll never walk alone!!!). Nick has also played a strong role in Coordinating Personal Training & Group Fitness timetable, as he impresses with his rare ability as a male to multi task!

After the recent birth of his daughter Chloe in February 2010, Nick has decided to dedicate spending more hours with his family; Nick sadly leaves us to enter the world of 9am – 5pm (something unheard of in the fitness industry!). While Nick is excited about leaving to spend more time with the family, he leave with a heavy heart, as it saddens him to say good bye to many members who have become friends throughout his years at Balmain Fitness.
 

We wish Nick all the best of luck for his future endeavours and thank him for all his years of loyal service. 

Lucy Stirton can usually be found at the reception counter in the evening during the week and Saturdays, she’s hard to miss with her bright eyed smile and friendly nature. Lucy has been working at Balmain Fitness for 2 years and recently celebrated her 21^st Birthday. Lucy has decided to take the plunge and travel overseas through Europe for 6 months with her exciting journey starting with a pit stop in Cairo, Egypt.

We wish Lucy all the best for her travels as she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime; we look forward to your return in 6 months. (Lucy, don’t forget to send plenty of post cards!).

Upon the departure of Nick & Lucy we have a few new additions to the team. Shannon will be taking over from Nick as Manager, with Lucy passing along her role at reception to Jeff, Rowan & Maddy (Lucy’s younger sister).

Looking forward to seeing you all tonight for some laughs as we reminisce on their memories of working at Balmain Fitness.

Those of us for whom a takeaway cup of the dark stuff provides the spark to get us going in the morning may greet this finding with scepticism – so how was this conclusion arrived at?

ZUMBA is now included in your Balmain Fitness membership.

Classes will be on Tuesday nights at 7:35pm with Caz our AWESOME new Zumba instructor.

Come and party the calories away - you are going to have so much fun that you will not even realise you are exercising.

Classes are free to members and 10 visit paks or casual visits are available to non members.

See you there!!!