A Vodka, A Beer...And A Small Waistline, Please!

Australia Day is nearly here. For many people, that means having a barbie and a drink...or two...

If you want to join in the celebrations, but are worried about the impact it will have on your weight-control goals, relax. Read our tips for drinking smart here. Cheers!

Did you know you can lose weight online, and access the CalorieKing.com.au Program (13 weeks of practical information on all aspects of weight control)? Learn more

Having a few drinks during this Australia Day?

At this time of year, it's tempting to have a few drinks; sometimes, almost expected. While a few occasional drinks may do you no harm, overindulging at any time of the year is definitely not a good look and won't help your health – or your waistline!

If you're a woman or a young adult and plan to drink this Australia Day, keep in mind that the effects of alcohol will hit you harder than they will a man. No, we're not being sexist, it's science: Women and adolescents tend to have a lower body weight, smaller livers and a lesser enzyme capacity to process the alcohol than men do. So don't bother trying to match your mate, drink-for-drink - that game is rigged!

Also be aware that as you age, your ability to handle alcohol decreases. Plus, if you're a diabetic, of any age group, you need to approach alcohol with extra care. This is because alcohol increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and drug interactions if you take insulin and certain types of diabetes pills. See your doctor if you have any concerns.

Social drinking tips

Have a non-alcoholic "spacer" between drinks

If you're planning to have a few drinks at a barbeque or get-together there are things you can do to protect your health and waistline. Try these smart tips for social drinking:

Have a few glasses of water before you go out.
Have something healthy and filling to eat before you leave for the party, as food slows the rate of the alcohol absorption. Also, drinking on an empty stomach may lessen your resolve to drink sensibly. CalorieKing dietitian Boris Kazakov has shared some of his ideas, in the next segment, for tasty, healthy pre-party snacks.
Plan how much you are going to drink before you go out and stop when you've reached your limit. Enlist a friend to help you stick to your plan.
Have a non-alcoholic “spacer” between drinks (examples: water, orange juice, a diet soft drink). Take your own diet soft drinks with you to the gathering if necessary.
Compare the alcohol content of different drinks and select those with lower content. Check the CalorieKing.com.au database for information on the alcohol and calorie content of different drinks.
Ask for half measures of alcohol, such as a half shot of scotch.
Try a wine spritzer – mix white wine with mineral water.
Drink slowly. Avoid sculling competitions and drinking games. They can lead to alcohol poisoning and even death.