Pictured is nutritionist Susie Burrell
As summer barbeques and social occasions continue to fill our social calendars, an Australian dietitian has revealed her guide to choosing the ‘right’ alcoholic drink.
‘Lots of these events and occasions will see alcohol being served and for those of us with dietary preferences or intolerances, it can be challenging to navigate the alcohol selections,’ Susie Burrell, the founder of Shape Me, said.
‘In fact, in general it can be really difficult to find specific drink options that are gluten free, low in alcohol, low in sugars and low in calories so you can still enjoy a couple of your favourite drinks without completely disrupting your diet.’
As summer barbeques and social occasions continue to fill our social calendars, an Australian dietitian has revealed her guide to choosing the ‘right’ alcoholic drink
For those who are gluten-intolerant but still want to drink beer, there are options available that won’t leave you feeling sluggish, bloated and in pain
GLUTEN-FREE BEER
For those who are gluten-intolerant but still want to drink beer, there are options available that won’t leave you feeling sluggish, bloated and in pain.
‘Gluten is a protein found in plant based foods, and can pose an issue for the estimated 1 in 100 Aussies who suffer from coeliac disease or a complete intolerance to the protein gluten,’ Susie said.
‘When it comes to various types of alcohol and their gluten content, while wines and spirits are gluten free, as many beers are made from a barley or wheat base, it can be difficult to find beer that is gluten free.
‘For those who love nothing more than an icy cold beer during the steaming Summer months, look out for Hahn Ultra Crisp which is not only one of the few gluten free beers out there, but is also lower in carbs and preservative free.’
LOW SUGAR DRINKS
‘One of the biggest issues with alcoholic drinks and our health is that some drinks can be packed full of sugar and calories, especially sweet drinks that contain sugary mixers such as juice, cola and lemon flavoured options,’ Susie said.
‘So if your goal is to minimise your overall calorie and sugar intake whilst still enjoying your favourite spirit, you cannot go past the new Vodka Soda & and Gin Soda & pre mixers.
‘They contain nothing other than spirit, soda and fresh lime, helping to keep your alcohol and sugar intake to an absolute minimum.’
‘One of the biggest issues with alcoholic drinks and our health is that some drinks can be packed full of sugar and calories, especially sweet drinks that contain sugary mixers such as juice, cola and lemon flavoured options,’ Susie said
LOW OR NO ALCOHOL
Susie said there are more drink options than ever that have significantly less alcohol per serve, or even no alcohol at all, that taste exactly the same as their alcoholic alternatives.
‘If you love a beer but want to lose the alcohol, check out Heineken Zero or Carlton Zero; Great Northern Super Crisp or Asahi Soukai are mid strength options,’ she said.
‘If a crisp glass of Pinot Gris or Sav Blanc is more your thing, Crafter Union offer lower alcohol varies of Rose, Sav Blanc and Pinot Gris, while Brown Brothers Refreshing Pinot Gris and Sav Blanc contain 9% alcohol compared to the 12% of regular wine.’
‘If you love a beer but want to lose the alcohol, check out Heineken Zero or Carlton Zero; Great Northern Super Crisp or Asahi Soukai are mid strength options,’ she said
HEALTH-BOOSTING DRINKS
Susie said 2020 is all about ‘positive nutrition’ and looking at ‘the good stuff we can add in to help us be at our best’.
‘Expect to see more and more food and drinks that have added nutrients to help supercharge the foods nutritional profile,’ she said.
‘Our favourite drinks are no different, and a couple of new products to the market are kombuchas or fermented teas now come in low sugar, alcoholic varieties including Dirty Bucha of Byron and Bootleg Buch.
‘Here you can still get the gut health benefits from kombucha even when you are enjoying an alcoholic drink with minimal added sugars and additives.’
How to avoid the post-party season slump
According to Sarah and Amanda of the Elevate Podcast, drinking in moderation and having a break from alcohol are the most important things to consider.
You can listen to the Elevate podcast here
‘It’s important to have a break, especially if you have been drinking on the daily for years,’ Amanda said.
‘After a break period get to know where your healthy balance point is. For some people cutting it out altogether may be the way to go and for some people having a glass of wine once a week or whatever might work for them.
‘In terms of longevity, all the blue zones (where people are living consistently over 100), a common factor is fermented beverages – namely wine.
‘From my perspective it can be a medicine, but it can also be our poison. Like any food taken into excess it can be and it’s different for every single person.’
They suggest asking ‘why’ you are reaching for a drink and whether your aim is to ‘change your state’.
‘If you can only hang out with people if you are getting drunk then what is that relationship really based on,’ Amanda said.