Alcohol is often a large part of the holiday season. From office parties to Friendsgivings to increased time celebrating with family, many people get ‘merrier’ with the help of alcohol. But drinking too much isn’t very healthy for us and can set us back on our weight loss goals. Here are five ways to sip smarter over the holidays while still having fun. 

1. Alternate With Water

The oldest trick in the book to avoid hangovers also helps prevent alcohol-induced weight gain. Alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water will ensure that you stay hydrated and cut your calories from alcohol intake by half — win, win. 

2. Avoid High-Cal Mixers

Often, the mixers we use are more detrimental to weight loss than the alcohol itself. Avoid high-sugar and high-calorie mixers, like juice and soda, and instead, mix with soda water or flavored sparkling water. And, as tasty as they are, try to avoid sugary holiday drinks, like eggnog and spiked hot chocolate.  

3. Dilute Your Drink 

To make your drink go farther without adding more calories or alcohol, try diluting your drink with water, soda water, or sparkling water. This can also help you stay more hydrated.  

4. Sip Slowly 

Take your time to enjoy your drink! The slower you sip, the less alcohol you’ll end up drinking over the night. 

5. Know Your Nutrition

It’s helpful to know how many calories are in alcoholic drinks. While all alcohol has 7 calories per gram (for reference, carbohydrates and protein provide 4 calories per gram), each type has slightly different calorie ranges. Here are some of the most common: 

• Red or white wine: 125 calories per 5 ounces 
• Light beer: 100 calories per 12 ounces
• Champagne: 100 calories per 5 ounces
• Vodka, whiskey, rum, or gin: About 100 calories per 1.5 ounces