Dinner party - an alternative drink to water?

[DavidG1971]

So - we’ve people over for dinner. I’ve never been a drinker, but missing coke, ginger beer etc. Any ideas on an alternative to water? Something that won’t block my arteries up overnight - or do I just say ‘sod it’ it’s just one night?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

If you are not pre-diabetic or diabetic just drink them for an evening but bear in mind the high sugar,/calorie values. Alternatively drink the diet versions but to me they seem oversweetened.

I would probably have a large glass of a good red or a dry white accompanied by sparkling mineral water with ice and, lemon and lime.

However, it comes down to individual preference and medical advice where relevant.

[Chappychap]

You could water down fruit juice in a jug and then add loads of ice, some sliced cucumber and a sprig of mint. Or what about Elderflower cordial, slimline tonic, diet coke, or soda water?

Personally I'm eating out once or twice a week at restaurants and at dinner parties, yet I'm still losing weight, maybe not as much as I'd like but the trend line is still in the right direction. I'll sometimes have the occasional glass of wine, but then I'll work a bit harder at the gym the next day.

One of the things I'm discovering is that if you really take your time and savour every mouthful, then a tiny amount of borderline foods can go a very, very long way!

[jimmyq]

My sister drinks that Shloer with her Christmas Dinner. You could try that. Personally, I have a few drinks.

[DavidG1971 in reply to jimmyq]

I broke ranks - cheese sauce on my pasta, bottle of crabbies. Impossible abstaining from everything all the time.

[Lezzers in reply to DavidG1971]

Hope you enjoyed it, everything in moderation is the key. My husband often has a glass of wine or beer

[DavidG1971 in reply to Lezzers]

Mixed feelings as I did it. My gf pointed out that I used to have a couple of bars of chocolate some days - so I guess it’s all relative to how we lived before.

[Lezzers in reply to DavidG1971]

Getting used to change of lifestyle can be hard but life is still to be lived.

[painter25]

I am over 6 months no alcohol now. My suggestion, good quality wine glasses, served with ice, slice lemon or lime,carbonated water that’s been chilled. Or cucumber tonic water. That said Adams now do no alcolic Prosecco called beesnee’s and it’s under £5. We all agreed no one could tell there was no alcoholic.

[Hidden]

Try drinking soup. I love to drink vegetable soup of lentils, carrot, ginger, onions and garlic

[DavidG1971 in reply to Hidden]

Struggling with that one Mike.

[Hidden in reply to DavidG1971]

I thin the soup with spring water, add spices and keep it warm, then drink like wine in a tumbler. Some friends asked what it was that I was drinking, some thought it is brandy.

[DavidG1971 in reply to Hidden]

Ok - I’ll stay open minded. Maybe. Just not today.

[Hidden]

After Wales won again I had a gutsful of Guinness followed by a load of vodka,then a kebab on the way home.What a great day.Life is for living,so stop moaning about diets and meds etc and get out there and live a little.xxx

[DavidG1971 in reply to Hidden]

All handle it differently. If you can do that - I can admire you for it. I’d be stressing for days after. Not wired the same way.

[HectorsDad]

Feeling virtuous, I tried an alcohol free red wine from Waitrose called ‘Fre’. Not a good experience! I would sprinkle it on my chips, if I was allowed them. Afraid to poor it down the sink in case it damages the enamel..... I’m told that other new brands are pretty good.