The holidays are a great time to get together with friends and family. But what happens when you want to join in on the fun of drinking alcohol? Here are some tips for sipping smart during the holidays.
Eat before you drink
You’ve probably heard the saying “never drink on an empty stomach”. Well, it has truth to it. Alcohol is absorbed more slowly when consumed with food in your stomach, giving less of a “buzz.” Food will also help you feel fuller, therefore, you may have less of an urge to drink frequently.
Assign an accountability partner
Find someone you trust, a good friend or family member, and let them know your intentions for the evening. Let them know how much you actually plan to drink. This is where setting a limit comes in. Maybe it’s one to two drinks for the entire night. Once your accountability partner sees you are on drink number two, it’s time for them to step in!
Alternate water and alcohol
Alcohol is dehydrating in and of itself. Before you start drinking alcohol, be sure to be well hydrated, starting with at least twenty to thirty ounces of water. Then, be sure you have two glasses, one with your alcohol of choice, and the other with water. Now look at you, remaining hydrated AND consuming less calories…
Make it a spritzer
Another way to curb high calorie drinks, such as eggnog, is to make it a spritzer. Add in low calorie soda water or just throw in extra ice.
Vitamin C – The hangover elixir
Vitamin C has been found to prevent or reduce the severity of hangovers by speeding up the metabolism of alcohol by the liver. So, opt for foods high in vitamin C while drinking, such as oranges, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
These are a few of the best ways to sip smart during the holidays. Remember this is just a guide, not a hard-and-fast rule book. If you’re more comfortable with some tips than other, go ahead and stick with those. It’s all about what works best for YOU.
Happy Holidays!
