Am I drinking too much?

Ever heard drink responsibly and wondered exactly how much is too much? The effects of drinking too much alcohol range from social and economic problems as well as health issues such as heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. According to the definition formulated by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or people younger than age 21.

The heart and stroke foundation recommends that if you drink alcohol, then do so in moderation. This means no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. One drink is equivalent to 340ml beer, 120ml wine, 60ml sherry or 25ml spirits.

Wondering how to cut back and still enjoy your favorite drink and be the life of the party? The Heart and Stroke Foundation suggests these tricks to help you make better choices:

Mix drinks in a tall glass with lots of ice.

Use low sugar or sugar-free mixers such as soda water, light or diet sodas, sparkling water

Limit the addition of sugary drinks by going half-half with a sugar-free option e.g., cranberry juice or lemonade with half soda water

Rule of thumb – one drink, one water! Make sure you stay hydrated by alternating between alcohol and water

Don’t double up! Choose singles over doubles

Choose low-calorie options such as whiskey, dry sparkling wine, vodka, tequila, light beer, dry red or white or light wine

Spruce up your drink with fresh lime, lemon, orange, berries, cucumber slices or pomegranate seeds.