STOP SUMMER DRINKING derailing your diet

Socialising can be one of life's small joys, but watch out for those extra pounds

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As we embrace the warmer weather, many of us will be looking forward to beer garden tipples, summer parties and wine-friendly picnics. After all, when that holiday feeling takes hold, it can be fun to get a little tipsy in the sun.

But there are some downsides - the relaxing atmosphere can sometimes tempt us to drink more alcohol than we usually do, which is bad news for our health. Not only that, warm-weather drinks can be calorific - a margarita contains up to 300 calories (they may be tangy, but they are laden with sugar). Even a single pint of 4-5% lager or beer has around 170 calories.

'Our summery drinks can often be loaded with empty calories,' says dietitian Lola Biggs from togetherhealth.co.uk. 'They may taste delicious, but they offer minimum nutrition and can be full of hidden sugars.'

Here's how to enjoy yourself this summer while staying safe and keeping an eye on your waistline...

Laden with calories

You might be surprised to learn just how many calories lurk in your favourite summer tipples. Calories can come from mixers, the base of the drink or even the alcohol itself, says Lola. 'And if you favour creamier kinds of alcoholic drinks, or those heavy on the liqueurs, those contain simple carbohydrates (the bad kind), sugars and even fats.'

Clever choices