Our newsletter this week was all about drinking in the holiday cheer without sabotaging our healthy lifestyle! It is possible to enjoy the holidays without ruining all the hard work you’ve put in this year to take charge of your health. Here are a few recommendations for choosing the “best” alcohol options:

• Satisfy your thirst before having an alcoholic drink. If you are hydrated, you will be more likely to sip your drink.

• For parties and social events, plan ahead and begin with a club soda with a splash of lime, switch to your choice of alcoholic beverage, then follow up with another club soda. This tip keeps you with a festive looking drink throughout the evening while still finding a healthy balance in your alcohol consumption.

• Logic would say to opt for light beer, but studies have shown that you actually consume less beer if you select a dark beer because they are very filling.

• Remember the serving size for one drink is a 5-ounce pour of wine, 12 ounces of beer or 1 ounce of hard liquor.

Be sure to stay aware and adhere to guidelines or alcohol consumption, which includes up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men! Drinking more than that can lead to health issues and can play havoc on your waistline! The average person gains 7 pounds during the holiday season. Consider it a victory if you can maintain your weight this holiday season!