The holiday season is synonymous with reunions and celebrations. In most cultures, alcohol is an essential element of festivities. And when you are in a celebratory mood, it is easy to get carried away with eating and drinking. Yes, you want to celebrate, who doesn’t? But it is important to be mindful of your alcohol consumption during holidays, as there are many opportunities to drink, which can affect your health and safety.
There are many ways to help you practice moderation even during the festive season, and still enjoy the celebrations. Here are our tips to sip smarter and create memorable moments with your family.
According to Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines:
Women should have no more than 2 drinks a day, 3 drinks on special occasions or 10 drinks a week.
Men should have no more than 3 drinks a day, 4 drinks on special occasions or 15 drinks a week.
You should also plan non-drinking days every week to avoid developing a habit.
Therefore, to keep your drinking in moderation during the holiday season, make it your goal to stay within these limits.
In case you were wondering, there are 2 main reasons why men can drink more alcohol than women:
Women naturally have higher levels of body fat and lower levels of body water. Fat retains alcohol, while water helps disperse it, so women's organs are exposed to higher concentrations of alcohol for longer periods of time.
Scientists have discovered that women produce smaller quantities of an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), which is released in the liver and breaks down alcohol in the body.
Another way to help manage your alcohol consumption during holidays is to drink water between alcoholic drinks. Not only will this help keep you hydrated, but also it will help slow down your drinking. Remember, the success of a festive event is not measured by the amount of alcohol you drink, but by the quality of the time spent.
Take time to savor your drinks by sipping them slowly. There's nothing better than feeling and appreciating the delicacy of your beverage and making the pleasure last.
To taste your wine with class like a sommelier, use your 3 senses: sight, smell and taste. Start by admiring the color of your wine using your eyes, you could get an idea of the age of the bottle by observing its reflections. Then, use your nose to breathe in its aromas: fruity, woody, spicy, etc. Finally, bring the elixir to your mouth and enjoy its flavor...
Being responsible for the safety of others is not a small task. It is a very important role. By offering to be the one to drive your family or friends around, you are committing yourself to stay sober and get everyone home safely.
There are some deliciously refined and equally tasty alternatives to alcohol. You don't have to settle for water or soda between alcoholic drinks. On the L’alternalcohol website, you will find delicious recipes for non-alcoholic drinks. There are all colours and all flavours. You might get a taste for them! By trying these alternatives, you can easily keep your alcohol consumption during holidays within the limits.
Remember to take care of yourself during this exciting time of year. It's important to make time for activities you enjoy. Whether it's volunteering, physical activity, dancing, long walks in the woods, art, or other activities, make time for yourself to break away from the daily pressure. Not only will it make you feel better, but it will also take your mind off alcohol. Do not hesitate to try out these exercises to boost your digestive health.
You may be used to jogging every morning, sleeping an average of 8 hours a night, eating healthily, taking a walk after dinner, or reading a good book before going to bed at night. Try not to change your habits. Knowing that you need to be in top form the next day to meet your commitments will make you less likely to overindulge.
The holiday season is a time to celebrate with your loved ones. It's also a time to create memories and traditions that will be passed on from generation to generation. What does the festive season mean to you? What memories do you want to keep from this time of year? Answering this question means getting back to the basics, to what matters.
By managing your alcohol consumption during holidays, you will be more mindful of these precious moments.
As you can see, with a little imagination and by remembering what this time of the year means to you, it is possible to keep your alcohol consumption moderate during the festive season. Remember, the dangers of excessive alcohol drinking don't take a break during the holiday.
Make sure you have a good time with your loved ones and that everyone gets home safe. As the famous slogan goes, moderation is always in good taste!
Happy holiday season!