Mental Monday

Holiday Sips and Savings

Aside from all the cookies, cakes and treats you'll be offered at holiday parties and family get-togethers, you'll also probably have to face down the temptation to have a glass of wine or cocktail. There are many good reasons to either avoid alcohol or limit your intake. Alcohol is loaded with calories, provides no nutrients, can cause you to choose less-than-healthy foods and may even slow your metabolism. Try these tips to curtail drinks during the holiday season.

Go prepared. Have plenty of water and maybe even a light meal before you leave for a party. When you're full, you'll feel less like drinking.
Be ready to say no. You know that you're probably going to be offered a drink, so be ready with a quick and polite, 'no thanks.' The faster you turn down the offer, the easier it will be for you to stick to your decision.

Try a look-alike. Mix seltzer with a little cranberry juice. Add a lime wedge and you're all set. It's fizzy and colorful, people won't know you're not drinking.

Choose wisely. A single drink can be as caloric as a meal or snack. To give you a rough idea, a 5-ounce glass of wine has 100 calories, a 12-ounce beer has about 150 calories and a small 4 ½-oz pina colada has more than 260 calories. So choose low-calorie alcoholic drinks, like light beer or a wine spritzer.

Dilute your drinks. Use less liquor by adding non-caloric liquids, like water, tonic or other mixers, to your glass. You could also try to alternate drinks by having a glass of water or club soda with lime in between cocktails.

From Bob Greene's Best Life e-Newsletter
Originally published 12/14/09

With holiday celebrations fast upon us this week and next, be sure to have a game plan in place to ensure your success! I hope the above article helps you get a few ideas to stay on track!

xo,


"Every problem is just an opportunity waiting to be made use of." Unknown