Things I love Thursday #2 No Hangovers!

In January I decided to stop drinking.  For a few reasons but one of them is my health. Throughout the year I have had a few drinks here and there but as of October it is a 0% alcohol life and I don't think its going to be hard!  I currently work full time and volunteer on a Saturday.  I would go out on a Saturday night, have a laugh, drink the stress of the week away and then wake up on Sunday feeling sick and tired.  Now I do all of that but without the hangover!  I still have a drink but a 0% alcohol one!  Being allergic to aspartame I also have to be careful with the soft drinks I have and try and keep things natural.

My favorite at the moment is ginger beer and fresh lime.  Now I know people try to avoid fizzy drinks as they are quite bad for you but the average glass of ginger beer has roughly 5cals in it compared to 85cals in one 125ml glass of wine or 215cals in a pint beer.  Adding fresh lime instead of lime cordial also helps keep it more natural and healthier.  

I know stopping drinking isn't for everyone but cutting back the units can cut back the calories.  Having a glass of water inbetween drinks can help keep you hydrated and stop you downing one after the other.  The main reason for a hangover is actually how unhydrated you are.  Also saves your pocket as water tends to be cheap or here in Scotland, free!

Having a hangover can be the worst feeling in the world.  You want to eat but everything makes you feel sick.  You want to have a shower but turning over makes you want to throw up.  Pretty much everything either gives you a headache or makes you wants to spew.  This is probably the best thing about not drinking.  I can get up and go to the gym the next day.  Yes I might be tired because even without drink I stay out til sunrise but with a few hours sleep and a nice shower I'm ready for the day.  Think about the amount of time/days you have lost to alcohol.  Try it for one night/weekend and see how it goes!

Christmas is a big time for having a drink but not to worry!  Its actually best to try and resist when temptation is at its strongest because even if you have one or two its not the same as you would normally have! I have got myself some Belvoir non alcoholic mulled winter punch and will be trying out the recipe below!

Have a great Christmas tomorrow and I hope Santa brings you everything you asked for!

Spiced apple cider

Ingredients

• 2 liters of good quality non alcoholic apple cider

• 6 cloves

• 2-1/4 inch thick slices of peeled fresh ginger

• Peel of 1/2 orange

• 2 cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. Put all the ingredients in a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. 
3. Strain and serve immediately, garnished with cinnamon sticks.