How to drink while maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Many people believe that to live a healthy lifestyle, you should abstain from alcohol altogether. But let's face it … summer is around the corner, and there's nothing better than a refreshing cocktail on a patio or a few margaritas on Taco Tuesday! Drinking can be part of a healthy lifestyle if you follow a few healthy guidelines. Here are four tips to help you stay on track with your lifestyle goals while incorporating drinking.

Red Wine is divine 

Don't be afraid to have a glass of Wine or two with dinner. Red Wine has proven health benefits because it is rich in antioxidants. When buying a bottle of Wine, make sure you check the sugar content per litre, which is usually listed on the shelf label below the specific Wine. Try to select a bottle of Wine that has less than 10 grams of sugar per litre. A general guideline is the drier the Wine, the lower the sugar content.  

Reduce your cocktail count

Although they are tasty, mixed drinks are almost always PACKED with added sugars, which results in very high-calorie drinks that can spike your insulin levels. Not only will 3-4 of these cocktails sabotage your lifestyle goals, but they will also contribute to a bad hangover. When ordering drinks, try to enjoy one fancy cocktail and then switch to Wine or a simple mixed drink like Gin & soda with lime. These cocktails are refreshing and do not contain added sugar. 

Be your own bartender

 A fun way to enjoy your favourite drink is to recreate a healthier version at home. There are so many recipes online that will teach you how to make a clean version of your favourite cocktail. Try mixing your favourite drink with real fruit juices and sweeten it with a natural sweetener like honey or agave. You'll be pleasantly surprised how tasty they are, and you might even opt for staying in more often! 

Keep hydrated

 It's no surprise that alcohol can dehydrate you, depending on how much you consume. One easy guideline is to have a glass of water for each alcoholic beverage you consume. This will help your body flush out the toxins and restore your hydration levels so you can wake up the next day feeling great!

Life's too short to cut out after-work cocktails, celebrations with friends, or an enjoyable glass of wine. Drinking can be part of a healthy lifestyle if you stick to these simple tips. Cheers! 

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Photos by Alieska Robles taken at Grace Restaurant and Garlics of London.