Alcohol is typically the first to go when committing to living a healthier lifestyle.
The increased calories and unwanted effects on the body can be a threat when trying to achieve body goals. Cutting out alcohol is a challenge, especially since the elixir is heavily a part of society’s social life. Whether it be a networking event or a birthday party, it can almost be guaranteed that alcoholic drinks will be a part of the menu.
There are ways to continue drinking alcohol on a wellness journey. While you may not be able to drink the same amount of cocktails, staying on track is achievable with the proper mindset.
Set A Drink Limit
Most health and wellness journeys emphasize enjoying life’s pleasures in moderation. Moderation is the practice of not overindulging and teaches the art of setting limitations on activities or items that impact a person’s livelihood. This same concept can be applied to consuming alcohol.
Making the conscious decision to follow a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean cutting alcohol completely. Instead of ordering multiple cocktails or several shots, drinking in moderation means being mindful of your alcohol intake. One way to be conscious is to show up prepared with a drink limit before entering any function. Having a drink limit makes it less likely to succumb to peer pressure and helps hold yourself accountable. Experts recommend that women should not have more than one drink per day while cutting back on alcohol. Setting a realistic drink limit is critical to maintaining consistency and seeing a difference.
Eat Before You Drink
Drinking on an empty stomach only leads to poor choices and unhealthy food decisions. Without food in your system, alcohol is absorbed faster in the bloodstream, causing tipsiness to happen more quickly. Despite the desire to pick greasy and fatty foods to soak up the alcohol, making healthy food choices is an option. According to Forbes, eating a balanced meal helps replenish the nutrients lost from drinking alcohol. A balanced meal includes a complex carbohydrate, protein and healthy fats.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated while drinking alcohol replenishes the fluids in the body. One symptom of alcohol is the increased need to use the restroom. As a result, alcohol depletes the body of its fluids.
Having a glass of water before and in between each drink can help prevent or alleviate unwanted symptoms. The more water you drink, the less likely you will experience outcomes, like headaches and dizziness.
Avoid Mixed Drinks
While adding juice to a cocktail may make it taste better, it is not always the healthiest option. Mixed drinks tend to have higher sugar and carb levels. Instead of ordering a sugary drink, opting for a low-calorie alternative reduces those extra calories. To conceal the strong taste, consider adding club soda, sugar-free syrups or artificial sweeteners to make the cocktail go down easier. Light beer and wine are other low-calorie options if you want to ditch mixers.
Reach For The “Healthier” Drink Options
Although alcohol is not considered healthy, there are other drink choices available to make it less harmful to your health. Tequila, vodka, whisky, scotch and gin are alcohols that don’t contain carbs. Drinking red wine contains some health benefits, such as lowering the risk of heart disease and improving gut health. Bloody Marys, sparkling wines and champagne are also healthier alcoholic drink options to keep in mind.