We eat well, we buy organic produce and we take the dog for a walk, but let’s face it, once we’ve ditched the active wear, we’re never that far from a cool, refreshing glass that can make the day a little rosier.

Our proximity to alcohol and lusty enjoyment of it is OK if we set some quasi-rules for ‘healthier drinking’. No, it doesn’t mean pouring a shot of vodka into a kale and spirulina smoothie. Nor does it mean abstaining in a boom-bust cycle of AFDs (alcohol-free days) and punishing sober months that are generally rewarded with liquor flowing like the Amazon.

Instead, get yourself into a frame of mind to ‘drink less, but drink better’.

Beer

There’s a reason why someone has named wayward anatomy after it. The beer gut might be cuddly, but it’s also born of a drink that’s loaded with calories and carbohydrates, even when the bottle says ‘low carb’. Still, enjoy a couple of well made, smaller batch brews, but do so keeping in mind that if you’re doubling down on all sorts of other drinks, beer may be the biggest thing sticking to your sides.

Neat spirits

Sure, your booze of choice might be small-batch and sourced from organic fields, but that mixer isn’t doing your health any favours. Best advice is to steer clear of mixing with soft drinks, energy drinks and for the most part juice, which is high in sugar, even freshly squeezed. Clear spirits generally are lower in calories. Or better yet, find a small distiller that distills without colours, additives or fake flavours for an additional ‘health’ bonus.

Wine

A decent glass of wine will set you back approximately 100-or-so calories. It’s not too bad, as alcohol goes, but it all adds up. That being said, wine comes with the antioxidant resveratrol, which has been claimed to lower cholesterol, and help reduce risks of some cancers, depression (in moderation) and potentially diabetes.