Making the switch during National Cancer Prevention Month.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially in such thirst quenching weather but all research is pointing to the undeniable fact that alcohol and cancer are not the best of buddies.
Recent research by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) suggests there is conclusive evidence that alcohol is the cause of cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, bowel (in men) and breast (in women), and probable evidence that alcohol increases the risk of bowel cancer (in women).
So, if you now have a big case of the ‘guilts’ having spent summer sipping on icy cold beers, don’t be too alarmed, it’s never too late to make a positive change to your body.
Herein lie a few ways you can trick yourself into enjoying a nice drink without the negative impact alcohol is having on your body. You might find making the switch has other positive effects, such as extra change in your pocket and a much trimmer looking waist line.
Tip 1: Break the Habit.
For most of us, drinking is 99% habitual. It might be triggered by cooking dinner, or something you reward yourself with after a hard day’s work. People are creatures of habit, so to break the habit, you need to change your routine. Instead of a knock off drink, reward yourself with a healthy treat, a relaxing walk or a phone call to a friend.
Tip 2: Replace a Cocktail with a Mocktail
Replace the alcoholic beverage with one of your favourite non-alcoholic beverages. Put some effort into making it, muddle some lime with your ginger beer and serve it to yourself in a nice glass with ice and mint. Voila!
Tip 3: Don’t go cold turkey
There is nothing wrong with drinking in moderation, so don’t deny yourself the pleasure completely. Use the money you have saved during the week and allocate one or two nights a week where you can indulge in a lovely glass of red or your favourite type of beer. Of course, this advice does not apply if you are struggling with more addictive behaviours.
Tip 4: Drink Mindfully
Drink when you are happy, not sad or emotional, because we all know how that ends! Sit down in a quiet and relaxing environment where you can enjoy your company and really savour the taste.