- Non-alcoholic drinks are not always a healthier option as some contain 30 grams of sugar
- Sugary soft drinks are no better for our waistlines, hearts or teeth, experts say
Staying sober in October is a popular way to drink less alcohol.
But just because you swap alcoholic drinks for something mild doesn’t mean it’s automatically healthy.
Loaded with sugar, many soft drinks, juices and mocktails are no better for our waistlines, hearts or teeth, experts say.
Here Dr. reveals. Jay Verma, a GP in North West London, the best way to avoid the sugar trap when avoiding alcohol.
Just one 175ml glass of wine contains 2.3 units of alcohol and 159 calories, while a pint of 4 percent beer contains 2.3 units and 182 calories. A few drinks in the evening can be the calorie equivalent of another meal
Swapping beer for sweet mocktails isn’t much better, as obesity and diabetes still pose risks if you drink too many sugary drinks, experts say
Just one 175ml glass of wine can contain 2.3 units and approximately 160 calories, while a pint of 4 percent beer contains approximately 2.3 units and 180 calories.
This means that treating yourself to a few drinks in the evening can add up to the calorie equivalent of another meal.
However, getting sober comes with its own challenges.
Skipping booze can make you feel like you’re missing out, but sipping water all evening won’t make sobering up any more exciting, says Dr Verma, who is also chairman of the general practice with the Royal Society for Primary Care. Medicine.
Although water is hydrating, he admits it can also be boring.
He suggests drinking sparkling water or adding lemons, limes or mint to the water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
Alternatively, drinking a G&T without the gin is another non-alcoholic drink.
Dr. Verma said, ‘It is better to opt for slimline tonic to avoid the sugar and anyone taking warfarin should be careful as it reacts with the quinine, giving tonic its bitter taste.’
Fruit juice is another alternative that is also packed with vitamins, but many fruit juices do contain some added sugar.
A 150ml glass of pure orange juice contains approximately 13 grams of sugar and an orange and passion fruit J2O contains approximately 30 grams per bottle.
That’s around the limit of added sugars the NHS says adults should consume per day.
‘Always choose pure fruit juice, rather than juice drinks, as they often contain hidden sugars and other additives,’ says Dr Verma.
He added: ‘Don’t overdo the fruit juice though, as even the freshly squeezed drinks contain free sugars.
‘You can get your recommended daily amount of vitamin C from one 250 ml freshly squeezed orange juice.’
Soft drinks like lemonade and cola are often the best non-alcoholic options, but Dr. Verma warns that the “original versions can be loaded with sugar.”
A 330 ml measure of lemonade contains 14 grams of sugar and a regular can of Coca-Cola contains 35 grams of sugar.
He suggests opting for diet and sugar-free versions that are better for your “waist and heart health.”
Government guidelines say men and women should not regularly drink more than fourteen units a week – around six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer.
Dr. Verma said, “If you find yourself drinking more, you should look at ways to cut back. It may be that alcohol is masking other problems and if that is the case, you should always ask for help.
‘There is no need to remain silent, especially when support is available. Your GP practice has advice and support you can rely on and there are other charities that can help you with problems that could lead to you drinking more.’