As the festive season approaches, it’s easy for alcohol to become a bigger part of our social calendar. Being mindful about how much and how often you drink can make a huge difference to your long-term health and wellbeing.
Know Your Limits
The UK guidelines recommend no more than 14 units of alcohol per week for both men and women, that’s roughly six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer. Use the Drinkaware Unit and Calorie Calculator to check your usual choices, you might be surprised how quickly it adds up!
Why It Matters
Alcohol is high in calories but low in nutrients, which means regular drinking can make it harder to manage your weight and increase your risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Peri-menopause and Menopause
As we move through perimenopause to menopause, it’s common for women to find themselves leaning more on alcohol to cope with increased anxiety or the sense of overwhelm that this transition can bring.
That first drink can seem to take the edge off, but alcohol can actually make many menopausal symptoms worse. It can
- Disrupt sleep - something many of us already struggle with
- Intensify hot flushes and night sweats.
- Lower our mood, leaving us feeling more tired, flat, or anxious.
Beyond this, alcohol also increases the risk of several cancers, including breast and bowel cancer. So, being mindful of how much we’re drinking and exploring small ways to cut back not only supports long-term health and reduces risks like heart disease and cancer, but can also make managing menopausal symptoms a little bit easier.
Simple Strategies to Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption
- Alternate your drinks with sparkling water or other sugar-free options.
- Set a limit before the event to stay in control.
- Explore the growing range of alcohol-free wines, beers, and spirits.
- Have a planned response if you want to say no; it makes it easier in the moment.
A Grown-Up Alternative
If you’d like to try something different, I’ve shared two delicious alcohol-free recipes: a refreshing Turmeric & Ginger Spritz and a tropical Fermented Pineapple Mexican Drink in my membership this month. They’re light, flavourful, and perfect for the festive season. Click here to learn more about my membership and join today.