Rethink Your Drink
by Annie O'Brien | 21st May 2020
Remember right at the beginning of all this, when the World Health Organisation warned that drinking was an “unhelpful coping strategy” in the face of the pandemic? Yes, that was a good one wasn’t it?
So if you find yourself eager to hit the booze make sure to consider our tips and facts before you overindulge. Now is the time to Rethink Your Drink…
Empty Calories
Calories in alcoholic drinks are not hidden or not existent. They’re actually listed on the label, but it is often forgotten that these beverages are contributing to your daily calorie intake and in most cases pushing them over the edge severely. In short, the link between alcohol and weight gain is undeniable.
On an average night, many Irish people easily consume anywhere from 1,000 to in excess of 1,500 calories. However, if you’re managing to abstain, good luck to you. I’m sure you’ll emerge from lockdown with immaculately hydrated skin and the liver of a 13-year-old. On the other hand, those of us with wetter whistles may be experiencing a calorie influx of 3500 calories a week during the pandemic!
The Scary Truth about Wine 
How many calories in a bottle of wine – A standard glass of red or white wine (175ml) with 13% ABV could contain up to 160 calories, similar to a slice of Madeira cake. For example, when sharing wine, we assume we’re drinking fewer calories. However, a bottle of 13% ABV wine shared between two could mean you are consuming 340 calories each, that’s the equivalent of a chocolate croissant each (source: drinkaware.co.uk).
Quality > Quantity
As it would seem in many cases, quantity is preferred. Choose a quality drink to enjoy slowly, rather than downing your drink as if you were in a race with your friends. Alternating with a glass of water will not only reduce post-drinking effects but will help your drinks last longer through the evening. So, if you’re drinking white wine, why not add a splash of soda water to help the same number of units last longer? This will also cut down greatly on calorie intake.
Know your Units
In Ireland, the maximum recommended number of standard drinks (or units) for women is 11 and for men is 17 per week (source: drinkaware.ie). So, what is a standard drink?
The Health Risks
The incidence of cancers of the mouth and throat have been seen to increase in Ireland. Undoubtedly, alcohol consumption is a contributing factor. Therefore, your chance of developing oral cancers is increased by 6 compared to non-drinkers. In addition, smoking further increases these risks when both are combined. Meanwhile, from a dental side, many alcoholic drinks cause extensive staining and corrosion, with overconsumption of alcohol lowering saliva rates leading to less buffering and a potential increase in cavities.
How to Rethink Your Drink
- Try to avoid the booze Monday to Friday. The trouble is, during lockdown, while we are swimming in this sea of sameness, there is very little that marks the transition from day to night quite so successfully as a glass of wine. However, try to limit the drinking days to Saturday and Sunday only.
- Eat a filling healthy dinner before you start drinking. Firstly, drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea. Secondly, this will also help you avoid reaching for less healthy options such as crisps, pizza, or that late-night toasted sambo.
- Avoid ‘binge drinking’. The recommended units are the level advised, this is not a target… I repeat… THIS IS NOT A TARGET. In short, saving up units during the week to splurge at the weekend is not advisable.
- Never top up your glass. Finish one glass before starting another. Otherwise, this is how a glass can turn into a bottle.