Ah, the festive season in New Zealand! A time for jandals and mistletoe, backyard cricket and pavlova, and, let's be honest, a drink (or three). These balmy summer evenings have been perfect for a cold one in hand, but, whoops! Before you know it, what was supposed to be a 'seasonal sip' has turned into an 'all-year-round gulp'. Sound familiar? Don't sweat it, you're not alone in this boat (or should I say, bar?).
The Murky Side of Our Beloved Booze
Alcohol is often the spark to ignite laughter between friends and relaxation after long days, but it can have a murkier side. As one of the world's most common psychoactive substances, alcohol is classified as a depressant, and regular consumption can be addictive, disrupt sleep patterns, affect judgement, alter behaviour, cause depression, and impact your heart health and immune system, as well as derail your weight loss surgery progress.
Regardless of how much you consume, decreasing your intake after a period of frivolity is probably a good idea. Whether you want to cut back because one drink every few nights has turned into several-many every night, or maybe you just want to smarten up overall, whatever the reasons, the health benefits can be immediate: lower risk of cancer and strokes, more energy, better sleep, clearer skin, and weight loss. Yay!
Why Alcohol and Weight Loss Surgery Don't Mix – A Not-So-Light Cocktail
Now, let's chat about something that doesn't get enough airtime: alcohol and weight loss surgery – a mix as dodgy as orange juice and toothpaste. Post-surgery, your body handles alcohol differently. Your new, smaller stomach is like a VIP express lane for alcohol straight into your bloodstream. Plus, your liver's busy dealing with other stuff (like helping you lose weight), so it's not exactly thrilled to process those extra margaritas. And let's not even start on the calorie count in some of those drinks – they're sneaky!
So, as the summer fades and we swap beach towels for office chairs, our relaxed holiday habits can sneak into our daily routine, turning 'holiday mode' into the norm. To tackle this shift and keep things in check, I've put together ten mini-habits that can help you reduce drinking at home.
Ten Mini Habits To Reduce Drinking At Home
- After one glass of wine, immediately put dish soap into the glass.
- Upon returning home with the groceries, put one beer in the fridge and the rest in the cupboard.
- Pour a non-alcoholic beverage to sip on while making dinner.
- Brush your teeth immediately after eating dinner.
- Have a large glass of water as soon as you get home.
- Put the kettle on at 8pm every night and make a herbal tea.
- When you think about pouring a glass of wine, do three push-ups.
- Delay starting by waiting 1 hour after you first thought to have a beer.
- If a friend asks to catch up for a mid-weeker, say, "Thanks, but not tonight."
- Take a shower and head to bed early for some extra z’s.
Closing: You've Got This!
There you have it – ten small but effective habits to help you dial back the drinking. Remember, it's all about taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Every change, no matter how small, counts on your journey.
Not all these habits will suit your lifestyle, but give them a whirl, tweak them to fit your routine, and here's to a healthier, happier you.
Cheers (with a non-alcoholic toast, obviously)!