9 Tips to Cut Calories at Every Party

Temptation is all around us. Sparkling, in a glass of champagne; sweet, in a cocktail glass; refreshing, in a mug of beer. A “cheers” here, a sip there. We like alcohol. But it never comes alone… Hangover the next morning? A few extra pounds on the hips? We’d rather do without them. Here’s how:

1. Moderation is key
It’s okay to enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation. However, remember the less you drink, the more calories you save. One gram of alcohol contains almost as many calories as 1g of fat. Three bottles of beer are quickly downed and are equivalent to a main meal when it comes to calories.

2. Cream? No, thanks.
Having a cocktail party on the weekend? You don’t have to stay away from the bar, but choose wisely.  Instead of creamy cocktails, celebrate with fruitier versions. Opt for natural fruit to avoid a sugar overload.

3. Back to the ice age
Fill your glass half full to make space for a couple of ice cubes. Looks good and makes your drink last longer.

4. Go with water
Enjoy a pre-dinner glass of your favorite boozy drink, but go alcohol-free during dinner.

5. Try 50:50
You don’t want to do without your glass of wine? Perform damage control and add mineral water to your wine. Enjoy your refreshing, low-calorie alternative.

6. One for pleasure, one for your health
Have a glass of water after every alcoholic beverage. The additional liquid reduces alcohol and calorie intake. Psst: It also alleviates the post-party hangover.

7. Sip from long glasses
Use high, narrow glasses for boozy nights. They have a lower capacity than normal glasses, but they look so nice we don’t even notice.

8. Say no to bitter-sweet sequels
Alcoholic beverages like cordials, cocktails or sweet wines are responsible for the headache the next morning. The sugar contained within these drinks inhibits an intermediate product necessary for breaking down alcohol which, in turn, causes the nasty headaches.

9. Do it like the Asians…
…and drink only minimal quantities of alcohol. Many Japanese, Chinese and Korean people partly or completely lack the enzyme for breaking down alcohol. Depending on how well this enzyme works, Asians often have a low or zero tolerance for alcohol.

You see, you don’t have to renounce cocktails completely. Follow these easy rules and enjoy occasional drinks while saying goodbye to hangovers and muffin tops!

Do you have any tips for saving calories at parties?  Share them in the comments below!

Bye for now,

Vera

***