DIET AND LIFESTYLE

Alcohol and a balanced diet

Most adults across the UK enjoy drinking and do so within the weekly low risk guidelines – that is 14 units per week for both men and women. In this section we have ideas to help you maintain a balance to having a good time without going over the top. View our Top tips for responsible drinking as part of a healthy lifestyle.

It is important to include drinking alcohol only as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, not smoking, maintaining a low BMI and exercise, of course.

Calories?

Alcohol is fat free but high in calories. A standard half pint of beer has approximately 100 calories, as does a 125ml glass of dry wine – about the same as an apple juice. Binge drinking can make you feel hungry though, as alcohol  stimulates your appetite while reducing your self-control, so you're more likely to binge eat if you binge drink.
Spirits with non-diet mixers, fortified and dessert wines are much more calorific per serving, however.

Healthy lifestyle and the Mediterranean diet

Studies have shown that a healthier, ‘Mediterranean’ type diet, high in fruits, vegetables, fish, salad and olive oil and including alcohol in moderation, leads to greater longevity and a significant reduction in heart disease, late on set diabetes and stroke.

Following the five heart healthy lifestyle factors of staying slim, not smoking, exercising gently daily and eating a balanced diet high in fibre, fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fats and drinking between 1/2 and two drinks a day, more than halves the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.