In this episode of Q&A with Adee Cazayoux, founder of Working Against Gravity, Adee answers your questions about the hurdles that come with drinking and spills on some macro-friendly drink options.

Q: What are some hurdles that come with enjoying drinking?

A: Last week in Episode 10, we touched on how to track alcohol in your macros using total calories and tracking it as carbs, fat or a mix of both. Today, I’d like to talk about the hurdles you may encounter when you start enjoying alcohol in your daily life. Typically, when you have a couple of drinks, your inhibitions lower, making it more difficult to make smart choices about food. So the #1 strategy is: If you’ll be enjoying alcohol, pre-make as many decisions as possible before that first drink. Think how many drinks you plan to have, which types of drinks you’ll have and what food you’ll be eating when the drinking is done. With a plan determined, you’re more likely to eat less, like half a pizza instead of a whole pizza!

Q: Do some people change their drinking habits when they start tracking?

A: One of the most amazing benefits to tracking your food is you’ll likely become significantly more aware of what you’re actually eating. For example, you may have been drinking a glass or two of wine every night without actually realizing how many calories you’re consuming, and how much actual food you could eat in place of all of those drinks. So, yes, when people start tracking their nutrition, they often decrease the amount of alcohol they consume.

Q: Which alcohol drinks are more macro-friendly?

A: By now, you’ve realized that if you do decide to indulge in alcoholic beverages, you’ll be consuming calories, and the drinks take away some opportunity to eat actual food. However, there are going to be some alcohol options that are more macro-friendly than others in terms of caloric intake. Higher-calorie drinks include sugar drinks like daiquiris, slushy drinks and any drinks mixed with fruit juice or high-calorie soda. Options for lower-calorie drinks are those like vodka and soda water or hard liquor and a no-calorie mixer. I know a lot of us like beer or wine, but also know that both definitely come packed with calories!

Q: What should I do when I go to a party and don’t want to drink?

A: Some of you might be thinking, “I don’t drink alcohol at all, so what do I do to feel comfortable while everyone else is drinking alcohol?” What I’ve done in those awkward situations is make sure I have a drink in my hand at all times, making it less likely for others to offer me a drink. I’ll tend to have a diet soda or I’ll bring my own water bottle filled with a non-alcoholic drink. So if anyone offers you a drink, just say, “No thank you! I’ve already got mine.” Practice saying no when people offer you things. I know it’s difficult. I know it’s awkward. But your goals are definitely worth the effort!

These are just a few tips you can use when you’re planning on enjoying some alcohol. If you have some tips you think other people can benefit from, add them in the comments!

Have a great celebration and stay on top of your nutrition!