To Your Health: Pro Tips For Drinking Well Through The Holiday

An insider's guide to surviving the drinking season

The holidays are also a time for indulgence – not just with gifts, but also with food, drink and sweets. Many experts offer tips for healthy eating during the holidays — UC Davis Health has eight lists; Harvard offers several of them, while interestingly , the Centers for Disease Control only offers five. Of these, only one Harvard couple had a relationship with alcohol.

That's why I asked experts and industry insiders who know all too well the risks of seasonal vacations. With so many responses, this topic deserves two stories, assuming you're invited to a party or two. The goal of this series is to rebuild your mind and body and prepare you for a healthy season. In Part 2 you will find practical tips from professionals to help you enjoy the celebrations.

The holidays are a time to forge personal and perhaps difficult relationships, says Rebecca Hopkins, founder of San Francisco-based A Balanced Glass, an educational platform and community that helps wine professionals manage their mental and physical health and work-life balance for better. . . Attitudes: “Self-awareness and setting clear boundaries are key to the party.”

“Make it clear why you're on the date, and set boundaries around how long you want to stay there and how much you want to drink (or not). Be aware of potential triggers and lean on your support systems to get through difficult situations,” she said. “This game plan will work.” To prepare you for a more mindful and balanced vacation.”

Keep it in mind

December offers more opportunities to enjoy alcohol than any other month of the year. Be careful what you drink and don't drink anything you don't like. Instead of drinking everything you're offered, think about it. Do you like it if it's worth the alcohol or calories? If yes: use it! Otherwise, put it down, pour it out, or say “no thanks.” - Amy Gross, National President of Women For WineSense and CEO of VineSleuth/Wine4.Me, Houston

My best advice is to be intentional about it – it's so easy to get caught up in mindless indulgences, especially around the holidays. I plan ahead and only use drinks I really like. I take the time to carefully match wines to my vessels, and then I really pay attention and enjoy the careful pairing. Sharing and discussing wine with others, making our experiences... an experience, bringing wine to life and enjoying the simple wine experience. — Carol Wolliakowski, Owner and Sommelier, Cuvée Wine Travel, Inc.

Drink something unforgettable while relaxing at home. Open that beautiful bottle you have. Take your time and enjoy it. Think of wines that develop within a few hours, such as Borgos, Barolo, or old Bordeaux. Break some glass with Coravin for your own mini By the Glass at home program. You will be able to consult them in the next few days: it is more of an analytical experience than just a simple drink. -Jeremy Hart, wine importer and entrepreneur (inknowology, Somm.ai, Sommpreneur), Houston

Don't force yourself to drink if you don't want to. You don't have to drink on every occasion. There are so many great non-alcoholic wines, beers and spirits available these days, that alcohol isn't always necessary if you want something festive and delicious. —Alexandra Cherniavsky, brokerage director at SWIG Partners, Philadelphia

I try to be very selective about the wine I drink. If the host offers several bottles to guests, I usually do a quick tasting and then pour myself a glass of the bottle I like best. I drink a lot of water at night. Two Advil pills before bed. - Jennifer Scott, Pressed PR, Napa

Take care of your mental health. Alcohol abuse is often caused by stress, especially during the holidays. There are apps like Headspace or Balance that offer a 60-second reset. They help many people find their footing after a heated argument with their racist uncle over dinner and reconsider whether or not they should drink. - Julieta Acevedo Correa, Sommelier/Director at McCarthy and Schiering Wine Merchants, Seattle

One ounce for prevention

Since the focus of my work is wine and spirits, the possibilities for alcohol consumption are almost unlimited. As I get older and the effects of alcohol worsen, I generally reduce my intake during the week I need to be fertile. Unless I'm traveling, I rarely drink more than one glass of wine on a weekday (if I drink it at all), otherwise I might stick to the low-alcohol side of the spectrum. Whether I'm traveling, attending industry events, or attending a business lunch, I make sure to drink plenty of water and control my caffeine intake throughout the day to get enough sleep. . . — Chris Langan, senior vice president of national sales, Dalla Terra Winery Direct, Austin

I have sticks of electrolyte powder at home. I use it to moisturize before and after a craze when I'm worried about drinking too much. - Alyssa Cooper, wine educator and owner of Decanted Diva, New York

I know everyone is busy, but don't let exercise disappear from your routine. A well-functioning body recovers more quickly after a night (or month) of excess. And your inner voice will scold you less after a few hits! —Victoria Tadarovskaya, Sip, Taste, Share , Chicago & Provence (France)

The key to staying healthy while on vacation is to stay hydrated. Prioritize drinking water before and during the holidays to avoid the dehydrating effects of alcohol and thus reduce the urge to overeat. - Teresa McKinney DipWSET, President, Delectatio Wines, Magnolia, Texas

Hydration and good sleep. The better your body functions, the better your liver functions. - Julieta Acevedo Correa, Sommelier/Director at McCarthy and Schiering Wine Merchants, Seattle

Allowed spare parts

My main plan for Thanksgiving/New Year's is to reduce my overall ABV consumption. When I drink high-quality vermouth or amaro and tonic, I use a combination strategy, such as: For example, I choose a highball instead of a cocktail and choose a “winter rosé” or a light, iced red wine instead of a stronger, histamine-rich red wine. Since I'm so sensitive these days, I always choose products that are bio-based and in the smallest size possible, which helps keep my options clean and non-reactive. - Chimin Visser McNaughton, Beverage Director, Honest Man Hospitality, East Hampton, NY

In my house, the holidays are often accompanied by champagne and grapefruit. Replacing wine with sparkling water keeps me in check. I drink fresh Texas Ruby Red grapefruit juice and add a twist to Topo Chico. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for a simple cocktail. - Shelley Wilfong, wine educator and host of the “This Is Texas Wine” podcast, Dallas

I love champagne and martinis for the holidays, but there are so many delicious and fun non-alcoholic options. It doesn't have to be boring and they extend parties and holidays. There are some thoughtful non-alcoholic options available these days, but it's best to make everything at home. Glassware, side dishes, ice cream, straws, etc. Be careful and playful with it, the new Alinea Zero book is excellent and makes soft drinks delicious and thoughtful. It's my favorite book in the world. – Greg Randle, Wine & Spirits Management Consultant, Austin

If a medium wine is being served at a celebration, I like to serve iced water and citrus. This season is the perfect time to drink hot cider instead of alcohol in the evening while reading or watching a show. At 51 years old, I am a breast cancer survivor, I drink a lot of water daily and limit myself to three glasses of wine or a glass of negron a week. — Allison Smith Story, owner, Smith Story Wine Cellars, Healdsburg

There are so many NA alcohols that you can easily make the same drinks. Use high-quality fruits and toppings to make it special. Feel the holidays! If in doubt, add some grapefruit juice, fresh cranberries, and rosemary, leaving room for the crackers. —Karen Jensen Hatcher, food and beverage director, The Pell, Middletown, Rhode Island

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