Alcohol may be a great social lubricant, but it is also high in calories and saturated fats.  If you're looking for easy ways to trim holiday calories--and stress--start by trimming your alcohol consumption.  You may want to think in terms of having a drink or dessert, but not both.  Of course the most important health recommendation I can give for the holidays as well as for everyday is don't drive if you've had more than one alcoholic drink. . .no matter what you think your tolerance is; don't let anyone else drive in that situation.  Deaths due to driving under the influence of alcohol increase significantly over the holidays, but they are not really accidents:  they are the result of someone's decision to operate a potentially deadly vehicle despite their physical inability to do so it safely. 

Alcohol is also dehydrating, so drink an additional glass of water for each alcoholic beverage.  And, if you need an incentive to watch how much alcohol you're drinking tonight, remember:  alcohol may help get you in the mood at the party, but it won't help you once you're in bed.  It's also well known that women are more likely to be affected by much less alcohol and in a much shorter time than men.

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Created: 12/29/2000  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.