 It is not just food that is in abundance at Christmas; mulled wine and sherry are two of the nation’s traditional tipples at this time of year.
We all like a drink, especially at Christmas time, but alcohol can be the cause of a sore head the morning after the night before. It is also important to keep an eye on your intake so not to exceed the recommended number of units.
- If you are watching your waistline avoid cream based liqueurs, add sparkling water to your white wine to make a spritzer or opt for reduced calorie mixers such as slimline tonic
- Alternate every alcoholic drink with a soft drink to reduce the effect alcohol has on your body during the evening and you will feel better for it in the morning too
- Avoid dark liquids such as whisky, cognac and red wine which are less distilled so contain more impurities than clearer liquids such as vodka, white wine and champagne and so may cause worse hangovers
- Alcohol causes dehydration so try to drink at least a pint of water before you go to bed to help rehydrate your body. A light snack, such as a slice of toast (not a takeaway kebab!) will also help absorb some of the alcohol in your stomach and may reduce your chances of a hangover the next day
- Remember men should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week (and no more than four units in any one day) and women no more than 14 units per week (and no more than 3 units in one day). See our alcoholic unit guide below.
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Beer and Cider: 1/2 a pint of ordinary strength = 1 unit
Wine: 1 small glass of wine = 1 unit
Spirits: 1 single measure of spirits = 1 unit
Sherry: 1 small glass of sherry = 1 unit
Aperitifs: 1 single measure of aperitifs = 1 unit
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