Drinking Alcohol when traveling - If you consume, what is the best choice?

Business trips often present numerous opportunities to consume alcohol, whether in airport lounges, on flights, at the hotel, or during business dinners. It seems like it is always available, but you do have choices if you decide to partake. While some people choose not to drink, others might enjoy a glass or two.

Wine, beer and spirits contain a type of alcohol called ethanol. While some studies show that moderate ethanol consumption reduces stress, increases feelings of happiness and well-being and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, drinking more than the recommended daily intake comes with an increased risk of more than 50 diseases. In addition, overconsuming can cause some to be less productive and have increased anxiety.?

So, for those that choose to consume, what is recommended amount? Some would argue zero alcohol is recommended.?? However, for the sake of this article, let’s start by defining what is too much.?

According to the Mayo Clinic , “the definition of heavy drinking is based on a person's gender. For women, more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks a week is heavy drinking. For men, heavy drinking means more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks a week.”

That said, some alcoholic drinks may be better than others. That’s because they disrupt blood sugar less, are less likely to aggravate the symptoms of a hangover and are lower in empty calories. In fact, some alcoholic drinks when consumed in moderation may even offer some health benefits.

Here are some of the healthiest alcoholic drinks:

Red Wine

- Benefits: Contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may promote heart health.

- Calories: Approximately 125 calories per 5-ounce serving.

Champagne

- Benefits: Lower in calories compared to other wines and contains fewer congeners, which are chemicals produced during fermentation that can contribute to hangovers.

-?Calories: Around 90-100 calories per 4-ounce serving.

?Light Beer

-?Benefits: Lower in calories and alcohol content compared to regular beer, making it a better choice for those watching their calorie intake.

-?Calories: Around 90-110 calories per 12-ounce serving.

?Tequila

-?Benefits: Made from the agave plant, it has natural sugars that don't spike blood sugar levels as much as other alcohols.

-?Calories: About 64 calories per 1-ounce serving.

-?Serving Tip: Enjoy it neat or with a splash of lime to avoid sugary mixers.

?Vodka Soda

- Benefits: Low in calories and sugar, especially when mixed with soda water and a squeeze of lemon or lime.

-?Calories: Approximately 96 calories per 1.5-ounce serving of vodka.

Gin and Tonic (with Diet Tonic)

-?Benefits: Gin is relatively low in calories, and when paired with diet tonic, the drink remains low in sugar.

-?Calories: Around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce serving of gin.

Whiskey

-?Benefits: Contains antioxidants and has no carbohydrates or sugar.

-?Calories: About 70 calories per 1-ounce serving.

-?Serving Tip: Drink it neat or on the rocks to avoid adding extra calories.

Tips for Healthier Drinking:

Moderation: The key to healthy alcohol consumption is moderation. Excessive drinking negates any potential health benefits and poses significant health risks.

Hydration: Drink water between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and help reduce the likelihood of a hangover.

Avoid Sugary Mixers: Opt for soda water, diet tonic, or fresh citrus juice instead of sugary sodas and pre-made mixers.

Mind the Portions: Be mindful of serving sizes to keep calorie intake in check.

While some alcoholic beverages may offer health benefits, it's important to consume them responsibly and in moderation. For those with certain health conditions, it's best to avoid alcohol altogether. So, the next time you are in the hotel, airport lounge, or that important business dinner, maybe you will think differently on what you grab.

Think of your intake of food or beverage like a bank account. If you regularly eat and drink healthy, then it's no concern when you take some withdrawals in moderation, because your bank account will not be overly affected.

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