Tom Gabb: ‘Healthy’ Drinking

Since my last column I turned 25 and it pains me to say that my once impressive metabolism has left without a farewell and my waist seems to be expanding exponentially. Now this may be due to many things, however when you consider that two bottles of beer are the calorie equivalent of a sirloin steak, it may be that I’m drinking too many steaks.

This epiphany has got me thinking about whether it’s possible to enjoy a boozy beverage without getting rotund. There a couple of problems with the whole being healthy and loving booze thing, first and foremost, drinks are full of empty calories. It’s not just beer either, that satisfying double G and T you are swigging down has the same calorie content as a chocolate filled pancake.

Secondly, calling drinks “satisfying” (see above paragraph) is an inaccurate adjective. Science shows that when we drink our calories, we don’t feel satisfied, literally. With the notable exception of milk, fluid intake typically isn’t sufficient to trigger production of the hormones that alert the brain that the stomach has been fed. Meaning that you can drink a lot without feeling full.

So, what can you do to stay skinny, healthy and drunk? There are quite a few options, some are certifiably mental, like vaping booze which is a thing if you want to search it. Other methods are more reasonable, like enjoying your spirits with no mixers. Spirits are relatively lower in calories and if you’re like me, you drink them slowly because the burn lets you know you are getting tipsy. If beer is your thing then Guinness and other stouts are a good option. Stouts and lager both have vitamins B12 and soluble fibre, but only stouts have antioxidants. Finally, an honourable mention goes out to Tequila, as its low in calories, is a probiotic and it helps digestion.

I hope this is all helpful but let’s be honest, the best way to be healthy and drink alcohol is to do so in moderation.