Expert advice: How to enjoy your drinks like a dietitian
Are you looking for ways to reduce your alcohol intake? Here are great tips from a dietitian.
Alcohol abuse is a serious challenge all over the world.
The recent story of Adele opening up about how she was borderline alcoholic put the topic in the spotlight again.
READ: Adele ready to drink again after break of three months
She is not the only celebrity who has opened up about suffering from alcohol addiction. Others include Billy Joel, Mel Gibson, and David Hasselhoff have all fallen victim to the disease.
Sadly, each year, three-million lives are lost due to the harmful use of alcohol, states the World Health Organization.
The entity also states that the harmful use of alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 diseases and injury conditions.
READ: Alcarelle, an alternative to alcohol that gives the good without the bad
People with alcohol use disorder will continue to drink even when drinking causes negative consequences, like losing a job or destroying relationships with people they love. They may know that their alcohol use negatively affects their lives, but it’s often not enough to make them stop drinking.
There are several ways to cut down on alcohol intake and to avoid the extra calories that some mixers contain.
Dietitian Monique Piderit shares the below tips for you to try:
Beer
When it comes to beer, Monique says it is always best to go for a light version of your favourite beer or choose non-alcoholic beer.
"Light beers are a bit lower in energy. Try the light versions of your favourite beer. Alternate beers with one of the many non-alcoholic versions."
Monique says you can also add Sprite Zero to your favourite beer.
"Half Sprite Zero with half a beer makes for two beer shandies and half the energy," she says.
Wine
When it comes to wine, Monique says you can also opt for a light version of white, rose or red wines.
"With wine, why not try light versions of white, rose and red wines?" asks Monique.
She says you can even add sparkling water.
"Spritz it up with sparkling waters added to white or rose wines," says Monique.
Spirits
"Stock up on sugar free/low sugar mixes and sparkling water. Think sugar-free G&T, vodka with sugar-free lime cordial and Sprite Zero, or SA's favourite branewyn with Coke Zero."
Lastly, Monique says one should not forget to add ice because it helps dilute the volume of drinks.
"Don't forget the ice. It really helps in diluting the volume of drinks."
READ: Study reveals which countries have the most binge drinkers
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