24 Nov How to avoid drinking your calories this Christmas

Let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be Christmas without staff parties, egg nog and brandy. After a busy year, Christmas is a time to unwind and indulge in a glass, or two (or 10).

But with more than 100 calories in a shot, drinks can add calories fast. Accredited Practising Dietitian, Arlene Normand, shows us  how to make smart beverage choices this festive season.

In a new collaboration with Dietitians Association Australia, Eat Right provides expert nutrition and diet advice on a range of niche’ exercise and health condition topics.

Eat Right’s Top 6 Cheats to Avoid Drinking Your Calories This Christmas

1. Eat before you drink.

If you imbibe on an empty stomach, the alcohol will be absorbed into your blood stream more quickly. In other words, the liquor will go straight to your head. Drinking wine when you are hungry makes you more apt to pig out on fattening foods. Some good pre-party noshes: a small meal or snack containing fibre, protein and healthy fat such as chicken soup, low fat cheese on whole-wheat crackers, or a handful of nuts.

2. Do water chasers.

Alternate water and alcohol over the course of the evening. This will prevent you from guzzling your cocktail and also keep you hydrated. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect, so it is important to drink at least two glasses of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume.

3. Nix the ‘nog.

With more than 200 calories in a 150g serving, which typically contains brandy, milk, sugar and raw egg. It is not a beverage, it is a dessert.

4. Dilute it.

Order cocktails like vodka and club soda, rum and diet coke, or gin and diet tonic that include a calorie free mixer. Or cut your wine serving in half and make up the difference with soda to create a refreshing wine spritzer.

5. Fake it.

Fool yourself – and your friends – by having a non alcoholic drink that looks like a stiff one. For example, order a sparkling water on the rocks with a twist of lime and swizzle stick.

6. Set your limit.

Resolve ahead of time that you will only have one or two drinks. After that, switch to water or a diet soft drink. Beware of waiters and party hosts, who keep filling your glass, that make it hard to keep track of how much you have had to drink.

And for more tips on how to avoid falling off the band wagon this Christmas check out our ultimate Christmas survival guide.