With countless work and family functions over this festive seasons it is easy to become swept up in the moment. For some of us, Ali Disher included, this is when alcohol can become a major contributing factor to derailing our best laid nutrition plans. Now, before I get people offside, I too like to have a drink or two. Though Christmas is a good time to remind ourselves what a standard drink is and better choices we can make when choosing to drink.
Pete’s alcohol ‘Did you knows?’
1. 1 standard drink (10g alcohol) of red wine (14% ABV) = 90mL wine.
2. Alcohol is used as a fuel by the body and burnt preferentially to all other fuel.
3. A 375mL rum and coke has twice as much energy as a 375mL mid-strength beer.
4. Recent unpublished scientific data reveals those drinking an artificially sweetened alcoholic beverage on an empty stomach will likely have higher breath alcohol levels than those choosing a sugar-sweetened beverage
5. As everyone’s body metabolises alcohol at different rates (due to gender, age, body composition, ethnicity and other factors) it is not realistic to provide safe drinking or driving guidelines. The best choice is to choose not to drive following alcohol consumption.
For those looking for alternatives to alcohol, I recently became intrigued as to what options there are in alcohol free drinks. My research has thus far only extended to two beers. Here is my synopsis for anyone thinking of trialling one:
Other options: Becks, Bitburger, Clausthaler, Erdinger, Schlossgold.
Things to note:
– These beers may still contain up to 0.5%ABV
– The Coopers has a similar carbohydrate content to sports drink (5g/100mL), the Weihenstephaner is lower (2.9g/100mL).
So think about what Sal said and please enjoy your Christmas. Though know that you can say ‘no’ to another alcoholic drink and there are alternatives out there. Please let us know your favourite non-alcoholic options via Instagram.
