Alcohol and sugary drinks contribute calories and raise glycemic levels. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar and alcohol can lead to higher risks of heart disease, fatty liver, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Skip liquid sugar
If you are thirsty, consider drinking water for thirst instead of a sugary drink. it is easy to overdo it with sugary beverages like hot drinks, soda, and alcoholic beverages. Watch portions, sip drinks slowly, find a healthier version, or pass up them up completely.
Despite the abundance of extra sugar surrounding everything during the holidays, we can make healthy choices. Make a goal to eat less added sugar, be intentional about your commitment and you will be ready to start the new year off on the right foot.
Choose “no sugar days”
If you know you’ll be spoiled by extra treats on a certain day or at a holiday party, set a goal to have a “no sugar day” the day after. This can be an effective way to reset yourself, your taste buds, and stay focused on your normal healthy lifestyle. On your no sugar day, choose lean meats, complex carbs, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Is Alcohol Metabolized as Sugar?
Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is one of the enzymes that helps break down the alcohol molecule. ADH metabolizes alcohol to acetaldehyde, a highly toxic substance and known carcinogen. Then, acetaldehyde is further metabolized down to another, less active byproduct called acetate, which then is broken down into water and carbon dioxide for easy elimination.
Small amounts of alcohol also are removed by interacting with fatty acids to form compounds called fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). These compounds have been shown to contribute to damage to the liver and pancreas.
Alcohol abuse can lead to fatal accidents, aggression and violence. Read Rethinking Drinking
Have a Strategy
Creating a plan before attending holiday gatherings can help you make healthy choices. Be prepared with polite responses and refusals to consume substances you want to avoid.
How to Refuse a Drink
- Be respectful, friendly, firm, and clear in your response.
- A simple “no thank you” or “I don’t drink” should be a sufficient response, but “I am the designated driver” or “I want to have a clear head in the morning” can be effective.
If someone continues to be persistent about your having a drink or asks inappropriate questions, you can to repeat your response, excuse yourself to make a phone call, get some fresh air or exit gracefully.
