Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol You Should Try

Did you know that the alcohol industry in the United States is valued at $261 billion? Whether or not there’s anything wrong with that is up for debate.

However, we’re here to argue that the health risks and other long-term effects of alcohol addiction are not something we should just shrug by.

While a glass or two in a week should provide a couple of beneficial effects, being dependent on the substance should never be the case for anyone.

That’s why we’d like to present healthy alternatives to alcohol that you can try.

Why Reduce Alcohol Consumption?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recommends that on days that you drink, you should only consume two glasses or less if you’re a man or one glass or less if you’re a woman.

This amount ensures that you avoid the short-term and long-term negative side effects or risks of getting drunk, namely:

Short-Term Risks

According to the same data from CDC, short-term or immediate risks caused by overconsumption of alcohol may include the following:

• Injuries (falling, drowning, vehicular accidents)
• Violence
• Alcohol poisoning (caused by extremely high alcohol levels)
• Miscarriage

Long-Term Risks

If you get lucky enough not to suffer from the short-term negative effects of alcohol overconsumption, you must know that there are also long-term health risks.

These include the following:

• Increased risk of heart disease
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Different kinds of cancer
• Mental health problems
• Social problems

Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol

If you still want all the good things about alcohol but don’t want to suffer from its risks, we’ve got great news for you.

There are actually numerous healthy alternatives to drinking alcohol.

Some of them may even have amazing health benefits and other positive effects.

1. Zero-Proof Cocktails

Zero-proof cocktails or mocktails are precisely what the name suggests. They taste like your regular alcohol-infused beverages, except that they don’t have the dangers of intoxication.

You don’t believe us? Try a margarita recipe from Ritual, and use their Zero-Proof Tequila Alternative to find out what we’re talking about.

They also offer beverages for old-fashioned folks, allowing yo to make Ritual Zero Proof Rum.

2. Non-Alcoholic Beer

Maybe you’re not a fan of margaritas, mojitos, or other cocktail drinks. You’d rather just sit back and enjoy a can of Coors or Bud Light.

Well, we have another excellent alternative for you. You don’t have to risk your time with your family by being intoxicated.

Just grab a non-alcoholic can of beer! This Round of Cheers from Athletic Brewing Co. has less than 0.5% alcohol content, making it highly safe but still able to provide the relaxing effects of regular beers.

If you’re also trying to count your calorie intake to lead a better lifestyle, here’s what you need to know about the calorie content of non-alcoholic beers.

3. Soft Seltzer

Sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and chardonnay. These names are the epitome of elegance, sophistication, and luxury.

Well, if you enjoy a glass of wine once in a while, we’ve got great news.

There are dozens of brands out there that offer soft seltzers, which all taste like your favorite wine.

If that’s something you believe you’d enjoy, try the Sonoma Soft Seltzer from H2O.

4. Kombucha

Have you ever tried drinking bacteria? Oh, no. Don’t worry.

We’re not trying to diminish your physical health. It is actually a healthy beverage.

The fermentation process of a kombucha includes green or black tea and a spritz of bacteria, creating a delicious sparkling drink.

The antioxidant properties of kombucha and its probiotic content make it a huge hit for young people looking to stay fit and healthy.

5. Coffee

Obviously, coffee is famous for a multitude of reasons, and one of them is that it’s a safe alternative to alcohol.

The caffeine in coffee is a natural stimulant that provides a buzz without alcohol consumption.

A cup of coffee can improve your concentration, energy, and focus.

Caffeine also includes anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the risk of certain chronic illnesses.

However, you want to make sure that you only drink coffee in moderation.

Otherwise, you might regularly experience an increase in heart rate, and the positive effects might not even be present.

6. Matcha Tea

Have you ever felt calm after alcohol intake? That’s one of the many reasons people suffer from addiction to alcohol.

The numbness and feeling of lightness are ever so tempting. However, there’s actually a botanical beverage that provides these same effects.

Matcha tea, which is made from finely ground tea leaves, contains L-theanine. This amino acid can significantly calm your mind while boosting your energy.

It’s a great way to start your morning or, you know, just drink it whenever you feel like it because it actually tastes great.

Other Healthy Ways to Get That Alcohol Buzz

Nobody ever said you need an alternative beverage just to get that buzz-like feeling.

There are physical activities or certain methods that can provide that. They include:

1. Massage

If the main reason for your alcohol intake is to relax and rid yourself of stress, get a massage.

It’s great for progressive muscle relaxation and can even provide the pain-numbing effect you get from alcoholic beverages.

If you like spending time with your friends over boozy drinks, just change it up a bit.

You and your friends can easily find dozens of massage clinics and spas in your city.

2. Meditation

Are you looking for a cost-efficient alternative to alcohol buzz?

What’s more cost-efficient than something free?

Meditation can get rid of symptoms of anxiety, improve your mental function, and even boost your physical health.

It may be challenging at first, but we assure you it gets easier.

Besides, the overall improvement in your quality of life should keep you motivated to practice this regularly.

The Alternatives to Alcohol and Your Health

If there’s anything we want to leave you with, it’s this: the positive impact of alcoholic beverages in your life does not have to come at the cost of your health.

There are countless healthy alternatives to alcohol out there that can bring you to that same space and atmosphere of drinking.

All you have to do is look.