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Can Alcohol Be A Part of a Healthy Diet?

How can alcohol be a part of a healthy diet? Moderation, moderation, moderation, right? Except it’s a little more complicated than that.

On one hand we know alcohol is linked to violence, motor vehicle crashes, cirrhosis of the liver, certain cancers and multiple chronic diseases.

However, on the other hand, there are studies that show alcohol also is linked to increased longevity, decreased risk for heart diseases and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, as well as red wine’s famous antioxidants. As a dietitian, I believe it is critical to assess the appropriateness of drinking based off the individual’s medical history, family history lifestyle and diet.

It’s important to look at how much you’re drinking, why you are drinking and your health goals.

  • If you are mindlessly topping off your wine glass five times at dinner, I would recommend measuring out 5 ounces of wine to see what that actually looks like (and maybe you should have some water, if you are truly that thirsty).
  • If you immediately walk in the door after a crazy day at work and reach for alcohol, let’s look at ways to better manage stress.
  • If you are working on weight management and spending excessive empty calories on booze, reviewing the importance of a balanced diet and focusing on choices would be more beneficial.

So Can I Have It?

If you don’t drink now, I would not suggest you start, but for those of us who do, I believe alcohol can be a part of a healthy diet. The U.S dietary guidelines recommend it should be consumed in moderation. This means one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men (and no you cannot save a weeks’ worth and drink them all at once). The World Health Organization suggests not exceeding two drinks per day and having at least two non-drinking days per week.

This is what I mean by moderation:

» One beer: 12 fluid ounces.

» Wine: 5 fluid ounces

» Distilled spirits (80 proof): 1.5 fluid ounces

This also means you can’t order a giant margarita and count it as one drink.

Clients always ask which of the three are better for you. I usually respond with pick what you enjoy. I personally like to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or dessert and other times a beer when I’m out camping or at the lake. Treat it as a treat and don’t overdo it.

If you have questions or concerns about drinking reach out to your physician or a registered dietitian for more information.

Here are some of my “healthyish” drinks recipes including a skinny pineapple mojito and strawberry lemonade vodka

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