With autumn approaching and summer trips to beer gardens long behind us, now is a great time to think about reducing your alcohol consumption this October. Cutting out alcohol can not only make it easier to stay on plan (none of those cravings for a hangover fry up!), but it can also aid your weight loss. Take a look at these 8 simple tips to lower your alcohol intake without feeling like a party pooper.
1. Avoid having alcohol in the house
Why do we all keep those bottles of Port that some distant relative bought us 8 years ago for Christmas that we’re never going to drink? By clearing out the booze cupboard and not buying more, you’re far more likely to avoid temptation and cut down your alcohol consumption. Instead, stock up on low-calorie cordial or our delicious range of water enhancers!
2. Get your friends involved with reducing alcohol consumption
A bit of healthy competition is a great way to stay motivated. Set up a group chat and encourage your friends to cut down on alcohol too. This will force you to find other ways to socialise with each other, that don’t involve a trip to the local pub or wine bar!Keep each other updated on how you are finding the journey and offer support on ways to distract yourself from that tempting G&T. Why not join our Official Facebook Group for more tips and tricks?
3. Find other ways to treat yourself
That cold glass of white wine after a long day can feel like a real treat. However, there are so many other ways to reward yourself that will feel even better because you’re staying on plan! Indulge with a bubble bath and a face mask, watch a movie you love or even ring an old friend to catch up. Try one of our BURST multivitamin energy drinkswith sparkling water for a refreshing twist without any of the guilt.
4. Track your progress
It can be really helpful to download a diet tracking app to help log your progress. From recording your weigh-in results to tracking what you have eaten and drank that day, seeing the numbers can be really motivational and give you that kick to keep going. Try it out during October and see the difference reducing alcohol consumption can make to your weight loss.
5. Look out for alcohol-free options
More and more brands are bringing out alcohol-free alternatives to your favourite tipple. Why not give these a try? They’re likely to belower in calories and will leaving you feeling lighter and refreshed. Beers, wine, cider and prosecco are now all available as alcohol-free or low-alcohol alternatives.
6. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water before consuming alcohol to ensure you don’t drink it quicker because you feel thirsty. Try alternating an alcoholic drink with a soft drink each round to slow down how much alcohol you’re drinking!
7. Use a mixer
Try diluting your alcoholic drink with more mixer to make it last longer and lower the alcohol quantity. Wine works well with a low-calorie lemonade to thin it down whilst still satisfying that craving. Remember to choose ‘light’ or ‘low-calorie’ mixers to save on extra calories!
8. Remind yourself of the benefits
There will be times when you’re really tempted to have just one little drink- but is it ever really just one? Keep focused by reminding yourself why you are cutting your alcohol consumption in the first place. Make sure your goal is at the forefront of your mind and you’ll find it much easier to keep on plan and avoid the drink.
Why not try create your own mocktail with an exante shake? Maybe you could make a Pina Colada mocktail with the Coconut Shake? Or you could create your own Espresso Martini shake with fresh coffee and an unflavoured shake? Or maybe your could create your own Mango Daiquiri with the Mango & Passion Fruit Shake? If you are cutting down your alcohol in October, this could be the perfect time to get creative!
When following an exante diet plan (like the 800, 1200and 5:2 plans) it is recommended that you avoid alcohol. Not only does it contain empty calories that don’t fill you up, but it can actually hinder your weight loss journey. For extra support, keep an eye on our Facebook Group and Instagram!
