Drink swap
We've come up with some simple ideas for cutting down on alcohol and avoiding the calories in soft drinks, without having to say 'no' or to miss out on the fun of socialising.
Having a drink – whether that's a cuppa or a pint – is a great way of relaxing and spending time with friends or family. Just like food though, both alcoholic and soft drinks can contain lots of calories, but somehow it can be easy to forget them when thinking about our calorie intake each day.
Top tips
Carry it with you
Avoid the temptation of reaching for sugary soft drinks when you’re out and about by carrying a bottle of water with you instead.
Out of house, out of mind
If it’s in the house, then we're likely to drink it! Simply stop stocking-up on sugary soft drinks and alcohol when you’re doing the shopping.
Take a booze break
Instead of drinking alcohol, try having a couple of consecutive days in the week when you stick to low-calorie soft drinks.
Pace yourself
Pace yourself to the slowest drinker when you’re out and there'll be fewer rounds in the pub.
Get them in first!
If you’re out with people who drink heavily, try to avoid buying in rounds. (You could always get the first round and then opt out.)
Wait 'til later
Try starting later, it can help you drink less alcohol overall. And don't feel like you have to finish the bottle - use a stopper instead.
Try something different
After work, play football or go to the cinema rather than going to the pub.
Over time, drinking alcohol to excess can also have a lasting effect on our health. So thinking about your drinking as part of a Change4Life is just as important as eating more healthily and finding ways to exercise.
Time to get swapping those drinks!