How can I avoid drinking too much alcohol at holiday parties?

It’s so easy to get carried away during the winter months with all of the parties, drinking and festive food. These temptations often lead to consequences, like killer hangovers and an expanding waistline. For healthier holiday drinking try these tips:

Drink spicy mixed drinks or dark beer. If you’re more into spirits, clear alcohols, like vodka, don’t pack the same hangover punch as darker liquors. To make them a bit merrier, jazz them up with citrus or spicy flavors -- but only natural ones. Avoid artificial syrups or flavors that have added sugars; Infused vodkas are a good choice. When it comes to beer, darker is usually better. Dark beers have more antioxidants and fewer calories than lighter-colored beers. Whatever you do, make sure to alternate alcoholic drinks with water; for every cocktail you drink, hydrate with a glass of water. This will help prevent a hangover.