Health: Eat, Drink & Be Merry...But Don't Overindulge

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Eat, drink, but don't get too merry. If you step up to the bar this holiday season, remember that looks can be deceiving.

Registered dietitian Natalie Webb says that three different drinks all pack the same punch.

"Whether you are having one-and-a-half ounces of a distilled spirit, like we have vodka here today, or you're having a 5 ounce glass of wine, or a 12 ounce beer, they all provide you with the same amount of alcohol, which is about a half an ounce," Webb explains.

Federal dietary guidelines characterize moderate drinking as two drinks for men per day, and one for women.

"When it comes to not only body size, but how much body water someone has—men have more than women do. So they're going to be able to metabolize more alcohol," says Webb.

Five or more drinks on any single occasion is considered a binge. And another reason to watch what you drink? Calories can add up.

"In a standard serving of beer, it's about 120 calories. A standard 5-ounce glass of wine is about 105 calories. And a standard shot of—or one-and-a-half ounces of distilled spirits—is about 97 calories. So when it comes to distilled spirits, it's about the mixers that we're adding to it," Webb says.

Mixers to make things like a daiquiri are traditionally loaded with sugar…and more calories.

Experts say it's always best to eat something when you're drinking, too—it helps to absorb the alcohol.