I've been hit with the burning question time and time again: "Are non-alcoholic drinks actually good for you, aren’t they just full of sugar?"
Swapping out your usual boozy beverages for the non-alcoholic counterparts is a game changer when it comes to your health.
Health means something different to everyone, and each person has their own unique definition of what is healthy for them. Personally, I gauge my health by prioritising sleep, making conscious choices to eat healthily, and engaging in regular physical movement. Now, let's delve into how transitioning to non-alcoholic drinks can positively influence each of these aspects.
Sleep
Oh, the sweet bliss of quality sleep! Booze might help you doze off, but it messes with your REM cycles which means you have a restless night’s sleep. For women, more than 1 standard drink (2 drinks for men) can decrease sleep quality by 39.2%, no wonder you wake feeling tired and irritable after drinking alcohol.
Non-alcoholic drinks? Sleep like a baby without the disruptions. Quality shut-eye equals waking up refreshed, energised and ready to tackle the day, and that's a win in my book.
Healthy Consumption
Steering clear of ethanol, the not-so-friendly poison found in alcohol, is a victory for your body! Delving into the numbers, alcohol surprisingly packs a high amount of sugars and calories. Personally, I lean towards consuming calories through food for a more satisfying and nourishing experience. The liquid calories in alcohol? They're just empty calories contributing to weight gain. No thanks!
Non-alcoholic drinks often pack way fewer sugars and calories than their alcoholic buddies. A typical glass of red wine normally has 100-130 calories per 150ml. Now, the Altina Sansgria non-alcoholic wine has only 25 calories for the same amount. Same goes for beer, non-alcoholic PARC Pilsner only has 56 calories in a 375ml can, while a regular beer sets you back 117 calories. So, you're saving calories and still getting your drink on. Easy choice, right?
Physical Movement
Let's be real – a few drinks and that early morning workout? Not the best of friends. I am sure you can all relate, the best intentions of morning exercise only to hit snooze and sleep in because of those few drinks the night before.
Non-alcoholic options are your wingman here. Consistency is the name of the game in exercise, and steering clear of the booze helps you stick to your daily routine. Don’t forget, alcohol messes with hydration – not the workout buddy you need when you are trying to perform at your best.
Final Verdict
So, there you have it, a quick rundown on why I'm all in for non-alcoholic drinks over their boozy buddies. I'm not saying you have to ditch alcohol altogether, that’s your choice. But hey, there are some serious health perks to cutting back and upping those alcohol-free days.
Don't just take my word for it – give my range a try and feel the difference yourself. Cheers to a healthier you! 🥂
This is an opinion piece and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please speak with your GP for health advice.