By Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD 

Whether it’s wine with Thanksgiving dinner, a boozy hot chocolate at a Christmas party, or a champagne toast on New Year’s Eve, alcohol is often part of celebrations during the holiday season.  

It can be hard to part with alcoholic beverages during the most wonderful time of year, especially when they’re tied to traditions. However, there are many benefits tied to going booze-free and opting for mocktails instead. 

Here are some reasons to skip alcohol this year and what to drink instead. 

Benefits of Skipping Alcohol 

When you drink alcohol, especially cocktails made with sugary mixers, you are taking in more calories than you may realize. In fact, alcoholic beverages are an overlooked source of excess calories that can hinder weight loss efforts.  

Alcohol also wreaks havoc on sleep by disrupting deep sleep cycles. This leads to frequent waking and lower quality rest. Even though you may fall asleep easier after a couple drinks, you will not get the same type of restorative rest that you do without alcohol in your system. Poor sleep can make it difficult to lose weight. 

Outside of the benefits for weight loss, cutting back on alcohol can decrease your risk of developing alcohol-related health issues. Drinking too much alcohol has been associated with liver damage, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer.  

Alternatives to Alcohol 

To reap the possible benefits of avoiding alcohol, opt for nonalcoholic, low- or no-calorie beverages instead of booze. Here are some of our favorite mocktails and alcohol substitutes: 

• Instead of a gin and tonic, have soda water with a splash of lime juice and a few sprigs of rosemary. 

• In place of a beer, try hop water, seltzer water, or kombucha. 

• Mix sparkling water with grapefruit or orange juice, in lieu of having a mimosa. 

• Instead of a hot toddy, combine warm apple cider with lemon juice and honey. 

• If you want a mojito, skip the rum and go heavier on the mint for extra flavor. Don’t forget the lime juice, soda water, and honey (in place of simple syrup). 

• Take the Moscow out of a Moscow Mule by mixing ginger beer with lime juice and skipping the vodka. 

• If you want a mocktail holiday punch or sangria, mix sparkling apple cider with grape and cranberry juice. Add plenty of fresh fruit, and serve mixed with sparkling water to keep the sugar content in check. 

Choosing a better-for-you mocktail over an alcoholic beverage can be beneficial for overall health and may even help you lose weight. If your main goal is weight loss, try following a weight loss meal plan or getting a diet meal delivery service in addition to cutting out alcohol. 

Note from Healthy For Life Meals: While you’re focusing on mocktails over cocktails this holiday season, let us take care of your food choices. Our nutritionally balanced menus are full of fresh, healthy meals that can be delivered right to your front door. Order today and be set for your nutrition reboot in the new year!