Health Benefits

Lose the Booze is officially underway for the month of January! If you’re someone who enjoys the occasional cocktail, beer or glass of wine during the week, this thought of making it to the end of the month sober may feel like a massive feat.

We sat down with BC Cancer’s in-house Clinical Dietitian, Evelyn Wu for some helpful tips on drinks that will help you reach the finish line during this January's Lose The Booze campaign!

THE BENEFITS OF REDUCING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
According to Evelyn, alcohol is a depressant drug that can slow down the parts of the brain that affect thinking, behaviour, breathing and heart rate. Although some studies have shown that modest amounts of alcohol can help to protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes, there is now strong evidence that alcohol can increase the risk of mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), esophagus, liver, breast, stomach and colorectal cancers.

DRINK SUGGESTIONS THAT DON'T GIVE UP THE FUN
There are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages that are great alternatives. When you are in a restaurant, consider ordering a cranberry and lime soda or a virgin mint mojito. Other ideas include a virgin Caesar, a Shirley Temple or a virgin Moscow Mule. Don’t forget that you can always ask your server for a suggestion too! If you cannot give up on alcohol completely, try a non-alcoholic beer or a kombucha.

If you'd like to join the challenge, you can still register.