The CDC, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s dietary guidelines all agree that minimal drinking is better than even a moderate alcohol intake. In fact, none of these government agencies advise you to drink at all. There’s no need for guesswork when defining moderate drinking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created public health guidelines for U.S. adults.
Drawbacks of Moderating Drinking
If you’re looking to enjoy more than one drink in a sitting, diluting your drinks is a great way to stretch a smaller amount of alcohol. To do this, simply cut the amount of your hard liquor, cocktail, or wine in half and mix with sparkling water (flavored or plain) or just plain old filtered how to drink moderately water. Depending on the drink and your taste preference, you can also add fresh fruit juice. If you are at a bar that has a mojito on the menu, ordering one should be no problem. These drinks, because they involve muddling fresh mint, are time-consuming and labor-intensive to make.
Alcohol Use: Conversation Starters
Despite the differing opinions among experts, they’re fairly unanimous in their agreement that you should not start drinking alcohol purely for the health benefits. Here, we dig into the research and talk with an expert to cull a list (albeit a short one) of the most promising health benefits of moderate drinking. The goal of a moderation program is to support a person’s journey toward understanding their drinking behavior and create a safe environment for them to explore how to drink moderately. Becoming a healthier drinker starts with getting real with yourself. Have you had a problem with alcohol in the past, or do you now?
- Many people find a two-week period is a good length of time for an observation period, but you can choose whatever period of time feels best for you.
- The risks of moderate drinking include worsened health outcomes, developing a dependency on alcohol, and a higher risk of injury.
- It’s long been known that alcohol reduces the amygdala’s reactivity to threatening stimuli while individuals are drinking.
- It’s also a great option for supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
What Is Binge Drinking?
Low to moderate drinkers may have a lower risk of coronary heart disease if already heart-healthy, a lower risk of stroke, and improved diabetes outcomes. Choosing to alter your relationship with alcohol and drink moderately can be achieved through mindfulness and deliberate behavior modifications. Mindfulness allows you to become aware of your ongoing moment-to-moment experience. It is the opposite of “checking out.” When you choose to tune in to the present moment and tap into your ability to increase self-awareness, changes in problematic drinking habits can occur. To stick with it, first name your motivation, Naimi suggests.
Tips for Moderating Drinking
- This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff.
- Mint water is not only refreshing, but also aids digestion and helps in maintaining fresh breath.
- Drinking in moderation means that you can still enjoy a few drinks with friends and family without being worried that you will lose self-control.
- Something to keep in mind, though, is that they don’t just magically appear in their cool icy form.
- With the moderation approach, “it’s a way of reaching people earlier,” says Dr. William Miller, professor emeritus of psychology and psychiatry at the University of New Mexico and author of Controlling Your Drinking.
- In 2012, results of a study of swine with high cholesterol levels suggested that moderate consumption of both vodka and wine may reduce cardiovascular risk, with wine offering greater protection.
Kaplan called Long Islands “the amalgamation of everything terrible in a cocktail” that will “guarantee you the worst hangover of your life.” “Mojitos are versatile, elegant, pleasant to the palate, and most https://ecosoberhouse.com/ bars will have a different version of it,” he told BI. Chef Omar Torres, the food and beverage director at Bonsai at Hilton Pensacola Beach, said citrus-based cocktails, like mojitos, are a surefire hit.
- Blenders might not always be visible, so it never hurts to ask if they can make one for you.
- This includes pregnant people and people who are sensitive to caffeine’s effects.
- Whether it’s pouring it into a nearby sink or discreetly emptying it into a plant, this technique allows you to maintain moderation without disrupting the social flow.
- Moderation is key in many aspects of life, and drinking is no exception.
Aloe Vera Juice
“I’ll generally stay away from egg-white drinks,” Carson said. “Doing so implies a sanitary wherewithal that I have to trust as well as proper execution.” On top of all that, she said the classic cocktail is overpriced and poorly made at most bars. She added that bartenders also typically have more training in making the drink, so you’re more likely to get an excellent pour. “A Tommy’s margarita is a full 2 ounces of tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar,” she said.
Electrolyte Drinks
