SIP SMART

If you’re having an alcoholic beverage, factor that into your carb count. On average, beer, light beer, wine and hard liquor have 10, 10, 2 and 0 grams of carbs, respectively, per standard drink, although the amount of carbs in beer varies by style.

Most mixed drinks are packed with sugar, so check the nutrition information label for carb amounts in any mixers.

Remember that drinking on an empty stomach, drinking in excess, or drinking without having eaten enough carb-containing foods can lead to low blood glucose levels – and the risk can last for 24 hours. Alcohol is also a diuretic, so be sure to drink plenty of water if you choose to drink. Mix hard liquor with soft drink or dilute wine by making a spritzer (half wine, half flavoured seltzer), suggests Palinski-Wade.