Drinking less over the Christmas period
Last post, we looked at some healthy food swaps you can make over the Christmas period. But, if you’re anything like us, it isn’t just food calories that increase in December. Drinking more at Christmas is normal, but that doesn’t mean it is ideal for your health.
If you do want to cut down on your drinking, we are here to help. You can use these tips and tricks at any time of year, but they might be particularly helpful now.
Drink water between every drink
You might have heard this before and thought “yeah, right” but hear us out. Drinking a glass of water between each drink is not the fun-dampener that some youngsters might think it is.
As well as keeping you hydrated to make the morning after easier to handle, drinking water allows you to notice as you get tipsier (and beyond…). A glass of water between every drink, at least at the start of your night, is a great way to reduce your intake without restricting yourself.
Instead of drinking constantly all night, start with a large amount of water and alternate between alcohol and water all night. Drink a few glasses before bed too.
Drive
A quick – and hopefully obvious – caveat here is that if there is any chance of you drink driving then skip this step. It is better for your health and safety to drink too much and get a cab than it is to drink a little and drive home while over the limits.
If you are worried about drinking too much, just use the excuse that you are driving: a little white lie for the greater good. Other excuses for non-drivers also work – and good friends and family will respect a simple “I don’t want to”.
Excuses for not drinking are numerous, but a simple "I don't want to" should be enough for good friends and family.
Host outside Christmas events or activities
Christmas doesn’t have to be all about eating and drinking (although those are the two best parts!). We are so lucky with our beautiful scenery and good weather (fingers crossed) here in Australia, so make the most of it this summer.
Holding outside, active events make people less likely to drink, so arrange a Christmas dance party in the park or a hike up to a beautiful picnic spot. At the very least, you will drink less if you start a little later in the day.
Instead of drinking, do outside activities: hiking, cycling, beach walking, yoga and bonfires.
Offer up great alternatives
There are some fantastic alternatives to alcohol now, so tee-total doesn’t have to be tedious. Tasty mocktails can be just as decadent as the real deals, and with non-alcoholic spirits such as Sipsmith on the market, you can even get the alcohol-like flavour too.
If you are not the host of your Christmas get-together, suggest a non-alcoholic option – or bring your own. Offering to bring a great mocktail can take the pressure off your host and let you choose the drink you want the most.
Non-alcoholic drinks include non-alcohols spirits, wine and beer, coffee and fruit juices and smoothies.
Drinking less over Christmas
Drinking and Christmas go hand in hand, but if you want to drink less over the Christmas period, it is only going to be a good thing from a health perspective. Follow our tips and tricks for a sober-ish Christmas and most importantly – enjoy yourself guilt-free whatever you do.
Remember, if you are worried about your drinking habits at any point, your doctor will be happy to chat with you. You do not need to be an alcoholic to ask for professional help – and it is often more effective to address a problem before it deteriorates.
Felicity Thompson
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