How to drink without drinking, according to a wine expert – The Independent, our suggestion to make money from home: How to drink without drinking, according to a wine expert – The Independent, our suggestion for walmart products tags, our suggestion for Diamond CBD Gummy products get your last business news our CBD oil suggestion our suggestion for weight loss our suggestion for keto weight loss Just as with any lifestyle change, giving up alcohol, whether permanently or temporarily, needs a change of mindset, like choosing alcohol-free drinks rather than alcoholic ones. You might think, earning my living by writing about wine, I’m the last person to advise you, but I see that as an advantage. Although I have to taste wine or other alcoholic drinks most days, like everyone else I benefit from a break from actually drinking them. Download the new Independent Premium app Sharing the full story, not just the headlines Download now But I’m not prepared to settle for second best. It’s important to me that the days when I don’t drink are as pleasurable in terms of what I consume as those when I do. Only you will know whether you’ll find it easier to cut alcohol out completely – even if for a limited period – or just drink on fewer occasions, but it pays to make a plan. 1. Set a personal goal You have to start somewhere, but make it realistic. Two alcohol-free days a week is doable for most of us, most likely after the weekend. Three is better still – preferably in a row. 2. Don’t make up for it on the days you drink alcohol On some of the days when you are drinking, you might want to reduce the amount you drink to one drink a day, sipped slowly and mindfully rather than gulped unthinkingly. If you’re trying to cut down, limit yourself to one (modest, not goldfish bowl-sized) glass with dinner or resolve not to drink when alone. Be aware and honest with yourself about what you’re drinking when you do drink. An app may help you keep on track. 3. Tell your family and friends Family should be on your side, but one of the biggest battles you’ll face is friends who keep pressing you to drink, maybe implying that you’ve become a party pooper if you don’t. Don’t be embarrassed to explain exactly why you’re cutting down – or stopping – making it clear that you’re serious. It may even involve changing your social circle. Find a non-drinking pal to go out with if the pressure’s getting to you – a sobersister (or soberbro). 4. Don’t needlessly put yourself in the way of temptation On days or periods you’re cutting down or cutting out, avoid your usual boozy haunts. Don’t make having a drink the main reason for going out – unless it’s a coffee. In fact, it may be worth taking the car, which gives you an easy excuse not to drink. If you’re embarking on a longer period of abstinence, clear out the booze from the cupboards and fridge and steer clear of the wine aisle. Stock up with alcohol-free alternatives instead. 5. BYO (bring your own) If you’re visiting friends and are not sure if there will be something alcohol-free to drink, take it with you, particularly to a party. Alcohol-free beers, which look similar to the full-strength version, are an especially good bet as they won’t make you stand out from the crowd. If you’re away for the weekend, take a bottle of an alcohol-free spirit and some tonic to your hosts. 6. Think about food pairing You’re more likely to crave wine with food from wine-producing regions, especially Italy, France and Spain. So avoid the trattoria or tapas bar on your nights off in favour of your local Indian, Thai or Vietnamese. 7. Get into alcohol-free cocktails It’s hard to find a substitute for wine, but alcohol-free cocktails can be mind-blowingly good these days, with many top restaurants offering an impressive selection. I often start the evening with one, whether I’m drinking or not, and end up drinking it with food. 8. MYO (make your own) There’s a real pleasure and satisfaction in making your own drinks. Like home-cooked food, they tas..
