When bellying up to the bar, pay attention to what goes into your mouth, and you might shed some of the unwanted bulk. Make the wise and attentive choice of drinks and accompanying snacks an ally in your battle of the bulge.

Most importantly, alcohol makes you hungry. It lessens your inhibitions and your ability to keep tract of things. It is easy to find yourself mindlessly nibbling nuts, chips or anything else within reach. As your blood sugar lowers, you have another drink.

Alcoholic calories multiply quickly. The standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka contains 96 calories. A 6-ounce glass of orange juice has 84 calories, but add a shot of vodka to make a screwdriver, and calories more than double. Higher-proof alcohol contains more calories.

It is the mixer that hides calories and sugar, and tonic water might be the worst offender. Diet mixers help keep calories from drinks on the lighter side.

Drink water, not cocktails, for hydration. Have a glass of water before you have a cocktail. An additional glass of water during the evening helps control the number of drinks and calories and that awful hangover in the morning. Naturally sparkling water with a hint of lime, fresh basil or your favorite herb is delicious and calorie-free.