Alcohol and dieting

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Due to a greater awareness raised over the past few years, more and more people know that alcohol contains a high number of calories, mainly due to the quantity of natural starch and sugar used in the fermentation process. Regularly drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol not only impacts your waistline but can lead to serious health problems.

Alcohol Units

Men and women are both advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. If you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week this should be spread over 3 or more days.

Avoiding Weight Gain

1. Know your limits and stick to them – avoid drinking more than 14 units a week regularly
2. Stay hydrated – Drinking a glass of water with every alcoholic drink will help you stay hydrated and cut down on the consumption
3. Don’t drink on an empty stomach – Eating a healthy dinner before you start drinking will leave you less likely to choose unhealthier choices later in the evening, particularly if you are out and about
4. Avoid the round – Drinking in a round can leave you drinking more than you intended. Instead choose to drink at your own pace and take small sips.
5. Avoid binge drinking – Spreading your units out across 3 or more days is far superior to ‘saving up’ your units to splurge at the weekend
6. Make the most out of each unit – If you are drinking white wine, why not add a splash of soda water to help the same number of units last longer? Or make your drinks lower strength if mixing spirits.