Easy ways to drink less

Making changes to how much you drink can have a big impact on your health. Here are some ways you can cut down:

• Know your units - don’t drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week! Calculate your units here
• Have 2-3 drink free days a week
• Try hobbies or social options that don’t involve alcohol
• Keep your bottle of wine off the table. Pour a glass and put it away!

Lose weight

If you're thinking about losing weight, you may also want to look at the amount you drink. Here are some ways you can start thinking about your waistline:

• Be aware that alcohol is high in calories and sugar which do not add nutrients to your body.
• Try a low strength beer, around 3-4% abv (these also tend to be lower in sugar)
• Try making your wine a spritzer
• Alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water or low calorie soft drink. This will keep you hydrated and slow your rate of drinking

Take action:

• Have a look at alcohol and food equivalents to help you keep track
• Check out these top tips to cut down on alcohol
• Compare your drinking to the rest of the UK and see the difference that drink free days can make
• Alcohol is absorbed slowly when you drink with food. Only drink with main meals. Try these healthy food ideas

Medical warning:

Please get  medical advice before you stop drinking if you have physical withdrawal symptoms (like shaking, sweating or feeling anxious until you have your first drink of the day). It can be dangerous to stop drinking too quickly without proper support