How much alcohol is too much? Experts on why wine is healthy, what to eat to avoid a hangover and the point when drinking becomes excessive
- To not indulge is a challenge during the festive season. Experts suggest ways to help keep your alcohol consumption safely in check
- Drinking plenty of water and having wholesome foods (think vegetables and protein, not just lots of carbs) can help offset the effects of alcohol the day after
One seemingly unsolvable puzzle during the holidays is cracking the code for the right amount of alcohol to consume. And by right amount, drinking fans and aficionados, we mean the healthy amount.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adult men have two drinks or less per day and adult women one drink or less. But the holidays merit putting a few (or more) back to go with festive dinners, Netflix movie binges or that family karaoke session.
Giving up beer, wine or a cocktail for health sake can be difficult, especially around the holidays that make drinking a staple (ahem, New Year’s Eve celebrations).
Nevertheless, there are healthy ways to drink while still enjoying yourself. Here’s a how-to guide to maintain that proper balance.
When does drinking become binge drinking?
Binge drinking is defined as having five drinks for men and four drinks for women in a two-hour time frame. During the holiday season, binge drinking can happen inadvertently because of the inherent social pressures. That’s why experts say spacing out the alcoholic beverages throughout the day can be essential.