The holiday season is here. This year you might find your calendar once again filling with parties and gatherings and a return of traditions and seasonal favorites. It is so easy to overdo it when we’re in a festive mood, especially with alcohol consumption, I totally get it. With all the seasonal favorite drinks and parties filling up the calendar it can seem impossible to not go overboard. But it is possible to enjoy the holiday season and be mindful of your alcohol consumption.

A quick refresh on how alcohol is metabolized

Alcohol contains calories, primarily in the form of carbohydrates that our body then digests, processes, and stores if it doesn’t need that energy. When you’re mindful of your diet and carbohydrates intake each day, it’s important to also factor in any alcoholic beverages you drink.

Alcohol also has a dehydrating effect on your body. Alcohol is a diuretic so it can pull fluids out of your body as its being digested. You've probably felt the effects of dehydration after drinking at one time or another, often the next day. In addition, when we consume alcohol, it can lower inhibitions which may have you reaching for the salty and sweet foods more readily.

Here are 5 tips to mindfully sip and enjoy your beverages this holiday season.

It is possible to be able to enjoy your seasonal favorites without feeling like you are deviating from your plan or like you must miss out.

Eat before drinking.

Alcohol can increase your appetite and often has us reaching for whatever food is closest at hand. Make sure you eat some food that nourishes you either before leaving the house or before reaching for your first drink. Ideally you eat something that contains some protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs so you don’t get too hungry too quickly and it slows down digestion of both food and alcohol.

Stay hydrated.

Alternate between water and alcoholic drink. For every alcoholic drink you grab drink one glass of water. This will keep you better hydrated and spaces out your alcohol intake over the course of the event.

Schedule drink free days.

Each week, schedule several days that are alcohol free. This allows you and your body time to rehydrate and recover if needed. It also will lower the overall amount of alcohol that you might otherwise have consumed over the season.

Set a drink limit.

Think through the event and make a plan with yourself to set a drink limit before you head out the door. Pre-planning may help you feel less compelled to make impulse decisions when you arrive. You can even share your plan with a friend or partner if you need help staying accountable once you’re at the party.

Know your triggers.

Being aware of the people, places or events that trigger you to drink gives you the opportunity to make a plan and change that behavior. The more awareness you have about when you might be triggered to drink and indulge the better prepared you are to make a plan to build a different habit.

Wishing you a healthy and joyful holiday season. Sign up for the newsletter and check the blog weekly for more ideas and tips to help you stay on track and finish 2021 strong!