Navigating the Holiday Season: Strategies for Reducing Alcohol Intake

Summer is nearly here and we’re getting excited for the season of celebrating and connecting with friends and loved ones. However, this is also the time of year when alcohol consumption tends to increase, and some often-unnoticed extra calories might sneak into the party.

Generally speaking, alcohol is high in energy (kilojoules) and of little nutritional value which makes it very counterproductive to maintaining a healthy weight. But the good news is that there are many ways in which you can enjoy yourself without losing your holiday spirit (pun intended).

Whether you’re trying to reduce your alcohol consumption to help manage your weight, improve your overall health, or simply to maintain a clear head, we’ve got you covered—try some of our strategies outlined below…

Strategies for reducing alcohol intake

Moderation

Sip slowly with a meal or wait until after: This helps you to pace yourself, slows down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, and you’ll enjoy your drink more as you savour it with leisurely sips.
Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks: Hydrate and steady yourself by drinking water, sparkling water or diet soda between alcoholic drinks. Then take a second to pause and ask yourself whether you really need that next one.

Mix it up!

Make a wine spritz: Dilute your wine with soda or sparkling water to reduce the alcohol content per drink.
Choose ‘light’ or ‘low-alcohol’ beer: And of course, be aware that ‘Low-Carb’ beers sometimes have the same alcohol content as regular varieties so make sure to check the alcohol content. 
Try some non-alcoholic alternatives: Recent years have seen non-alcoholic drinks surge in popularity, variety, taste and availability. Most major beers, craft breweries, wine makers, and even spirit distilleries are producing amazing non-alcoholic options that are a great alternative to alcohol, and usually much cheaper too!

Elderflower and Cucumber Mocktail

This delicious recipe from No Money No Time, originally published here.

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

Ingredients

Single serving

3 cucumber sticks
3-4 ice cubes
25ml elderflower cordial (e.g. Belvoir Farm Elderflower Cordial)
1 lemon wedge
250ml sparkling or water

Method

To make the cucumber sticks cut a 4cm piece of cucumber, cut half lengthways and then cut the into three wedges. Put the rest of the cucumber away and use it for something else
In a tall glass pour cordial over ice cubes
Add the lemon wedge and top with soda water
Add cucumber, swizzle and enjoy

Tweaks

Try adding 3-4 mint leaves for a refreshing minty burst. Lightly crush them in your hands to release their flavour before adding them in