Latest news with #DryJanuary
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Tips on how to enjoy a festival sober, from a Glasto veteran
This year marks Glastonbury veteran Katharine Hubbard's 10th visit to the legendary Worthy Farm in the UK – and she's eager to share that the world's largest greenfield music and performing arts festival is just as enjoyable without alcohol. Her Glasto journey began in 2013, igniting a lasting passion for the iconic festival that has endured for more than a decade for her. Reflecting on her first time at the festival, the 38-year-old admitted: "I really didn't know what I was letting myself in for, because at the time I'd never been camping, I wasn't a huge gig person, and Glastonbury is really, when it comes to festivals, the biggest. When you see it on TV, you just see these huge crowds in front of the Pyramid Stage, which is a huge part of it, but it's so much more. It's so magical. Everyone is so nice, and the spirit of it is really incredible." Two years ago, after a successful Dry January, Hubbard decided to continue her drinking hiatus well into the summer and attended her first Glastonbury sober. "I always do Dry January, and I'd read that you need to do it for three months to feel the difference in your body, so I didn't drink in January 2023 to March, and then by the end of March, I was like, I'm not really bothered about drinking again. So, I just carried on not drinking through to that Glastonbury and beyond for a bit," shared Hubbard. "I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be as fun, but it turns out that I was!" Here's what she wants any Glasto newbies or curious sober festivalgoers to know… You can still be fun without alcohol "I was a bit worried about not being fun enough. Would I be able to get into the swing of things? Would I be the boring person in the group? But I didn't find that at all," said Hubbard. "I would actually say out of all the Glastonburys I've been to, 2023 was the best one. It was really amazing. "One night we were up till 6am and everyone I was with was drinking, but I didn't feel any difference between my experience and theirs." People won't notice "If you're worried about how your friends would react, you don't have to share that you are not drinking. People might not even notice," she said, adding that she happily sipped on water and electrolytes throughout the day. You have more energy "I think I actually had a lot more energy than anyone else in our group because day drinking in the sun doesn't necessarily make you feel great," reflected Hubbard. "I felt a lot more sprightly, was able to run around the site, and definitely, by the last day, I felt like I had more energy than the rest of the group, because it's pretty gruelling." You may be able to buy non-alcoholic drinks on-site Thanks to the popularity of no and low alcohol drinks, there will likely be a 0.0 beer available somewhere at the festival of your choosing. "They do sell non-alcoholic beer on site, so you can still buy cold drinks on site and feel like you're in the vibe," said Hubbard of Glastonbury, although she notes that choice is limited. "But maybe the festival organisers will have identified that and improved it, because it's definitely become more of a trend for people to be looking for non-alcoholic alternatives." Bring snacks for energy "I also had lots of sweeties because I felt like everybody was filling up on beers and stuff, and I was getting hungry quite a lot, so I had to pack a lot of snacks just to keep up with everybody," shared Hubbard.
Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Rahul Jacob: Alcohol isn't what it used to be but maybe that's alright
Next Story Rahul Jacob Younger folk aren't drinking much in the rich world, a trend that could catch on elsewhere too, but that doesn't mean this industry is staring at doom. As volumes fall, prices are going premium. Young people seem to be discovering cocktails and are not part of the developed world's shift away from alcohol. Gift this article On few subjects is there a greater generational divide in the developed world than on the merits of having a cocktail. In the past couple of decades in the US, sales of alcohol to those between 65 and 74 years of age rose by half, even after adjusting for inflation. On few subjects is there a greater generational divide in the developed world than on the merits of having a cocktail. In the past couple of decades in the US, sales of alcohol to those between 65 and 74 years of age rose by half, even after adjusting for inflation. By contrast, sales declined by 60% to those aged 25 and under. Japan, whose work culture and push for 'total quality management' were once known for long work days and hard drinking by the 'salaryman,' has seen a decline in overall per capita consumption by more than a quarter in the past three decades. In France, of all places, wine consumption, especially of red wines, faces what an analyst calls an 'existential" decline. Alcohol stocks on developed-world stock markets have been pummelled because it is seen as a sunset industry that is also in the sights of regulators. Diageo's shares have fallen by a third since 2020, according to an article last month by the Financial Times, which quoted its chief executive officer Debra Crew as saying that 'people want to drink better, not more." This push towards the premium end of the scale is working to an extent. Notwithstanding the doom and gloom surrounding the industry, data company International Wine and Spirit Research (WSR) estimated that in 2023, revenues from alcohol sales actually increased by 2% even as volumes declined by 1%. Younger people drinking less alcohol or switching to alcohol-free drinks implies that this strategy of raising prices leaves the industry dependent on wealthy but ageing baby boomers. While the industry has not been forced to use anything in the league of health warnings about smoking that tobacco companies must place on cigarette packs, health concerns may be catching up with it. Also Read: Why classic cocktails will never go out of style At the beginning of this year, outgoing US surgeon general Vivek Murthy called for the labelling of cancer risks from alcohol consumption on alcohol cans and bottles. This gave a whole new meaning to 'Dry January,' the annual month for resolutions to abstain from alcohol. The World Health Organization, meanwhile, is ramping up warnings that there is no 'safe level' of alcohol consumption. 'Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer behind tobacco and obesity," Dr Murthy told a medical columnist of USA Today, adding that it causes 20,000 cancer deaths in the US alone. 'We now know there are seven cancers that are caused by alcohol consumption—breast cancer, colorectal cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, voice box (larynx) cancer, oesophageal cancer and liver cancer." Dr Murthy's declaration sparked several articles on the subject. Last month, one in the New York Times quoted Timothy Stockwell, an alcohol researcher at the University of Victoria in Canada, as saying that 'when you have a drink, your body turns the ethanol that's present in the alcoholic beverage into a really nasty substance" called acetaldehyde, which can damage your DNA. Given the increasing frequency of these warnings, it will be no surprise if we all—and not just young people—start drinking less. And yet, there is a case for moderation and being a social drinker. The Economist, in a contrarian column this May, issued some warnings of its own. It argued that the restaurant industry would be devastated if people drastically reduced drinking. Further, the publication claimed that alcohol has a positive impact on creativity and sometimes helps get couples together, dubiously or jokingly linking an observed drop in productivity growth to greater abstinence from alcohol. The chief executive officer of Asahi has blamed excessive screen time and gaming for reduced alcohol consumption, but it may simply be that people entertain differently and that health warnings are being taken more seriously. Alcohol's global giants are looking to markets such as China, India and Brazil to boost sales. But even in the developing world, consumption growth is not as bubbly as it used to be. While the compound annual growth rate of the per capita consumption of pure alcohol was about 15% for India and China between 2005 and 2010, according to an analysis by Technopak, a consulting company, it is expected to grow just 1.2% annually between 2023 and 2028 for India. Alcohol consumption is declining even faster in China than in the West. Also Read: Sip on Bengaluru: Cocktails inspired by the city's scents But the regulatory framework in India is also a dampener on sales. Hardly a month or two goes by before a major state levies additional excise duties or raises the cost of liquor licences for restaurants and bars or booze outlets. But India at least offers a demographic dividend of a different kind. Young people seem to be discovering cocktails and are not part of the developed world's shift away from alcohol. In Bengaluru, synonymous with pubs, cocktail bars are opening all the time, reports Rohil Kalita, head bartender of Bar Spirit Forward in the city. He adds that about 60% of Spirit Forward's customers are aged between 25 and 40. I am a good bit older than that, but part of the trend. Having been disciplined during the first covid lockdown, during the second, I re-watched Mad Men, the television series about an American advertising agency set in the 1960s, in which cocktails have a central role. Don't take my word for it, but in the annus horribilis that is 2025, a cocktail or three a week with friends seems preferable to doom scrolling. The author is a Mint columnist and a former Financial Times foreign correspondent. Topics You May Be Interested In Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Nutritionists Are Sharing Alcohol 'Rules' You Should Really Be Following, Including Women Having No More Than One Drink Per Day
Alcohol is known to be a health risk. Research shows that it's linked to certain cancers, can damage your liver, is tied to dementia risk and can just make you feel lousy. So, with all of these findings, it's only natural to think more about your relationship with alcohol. As the sobriety awareness of Dry January comes to a close, you may feel a pull to go back to your old drinking habits. But it could be worth thinking about your use of alcohol and making a change that lasts beyond January. (And, no, this does not have to mean cutting it out altogether.) Terms like 'mindful drinking' and 'sober curious' are showing up in the news and on social media, indicating that folks are taking these research findings seriously. What mindful drinking means for one person might not be the same as for another, but in essence it's bringing awareness to your alcohol consumption and choosing to drink when you actually want to, not just as a reflex while watching the game or as a crutch to deal with stress. Although some people who follow this lifestyle do still drink, others don't, making the definition fluid and customizable to what's right for you. In the end, your decision to drink or not to drink is up to you. But for those who decide to imbibe, nutritionists say there are some things to keep in mind. Below, they share the alcohol guidelines you should follow if you do choose to drink. 1. The CDC guidelines say women should have no more than one drink per day and men should have no more than two. Related: People Are Sharing The Telltale Signs In Someone's Kitchen That Make Them Scared To Eat There The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines define moderate drinking as no more than one drink for women and two drinks for men each day, said Christine Byrne, a registered dietitian and the owner of Ruby Oak Nutrition in Raleigh, North Carolina. 'I think that is a pretty good guideline,' she added. 'Those specific guidelines also point out that it doesn't mean seven drinks in a week for women, it means one drink a day — so not drinking for five days and then drinking six drinks on the sixth day is not the same thing.' 'Alcohol is a lot for your body to process,' which is why you can't just bank all of those drinks for day six, Byrne said. 'Overloading [your body] with alcohol on one day and not drinking for seven days or more can be more harmful than just drinking one drink for women or two drinks for men on a single day ... our bodies are able to process that amount of alcohol.' Not be a buzzkill, but one alcoholic drink does not mean a Long Island iced tea (a cocktail that combines gin, vodka, rum, tequila and triple sec). Instead, the CDC says one drink is equivalent to a 12-ounce beer that is 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), 5 ounces of wine that's 12% ABV, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor or 8 ounces of malt liquor that is 7% ABV. But know that alcohol is not beneficial to your health. ″[It's] really important to know that recently, I think as of last year, the World Health Organization actually came out and said that no amount of alcohol is safe,' said Sumner Brooks, a registered dietitian and author of 'How to Raise an Intuitive Eater.' 'We know that alcohol is associated with cancer, it's a Group 1 carcinogen, which puts it in the same group level as tobacco,' Brooks said. Beyond being a carcinogen, alcohol is a toxin, according to Byrne, who added that 'our body prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol because it's a toxin, so it wants to get rid of it.' The WHO guidelines say that even one drink per day for women and two per day for men is still associated with these health risks, Brooks noted. So for people who do choose to drink, 'it's just important [to know] that we've moved past the point of that general consensus that drinking offers health benefits,' she added. Suffice to say that just because the guidelines say you can have a certain amount of alcohol each day doesn't mean you should. 2. If you do imbibe, drink water after each alcoholic beverage. Related: 19 Very, Very Unfortunate Food Fails That Belong In A Museum Of Culinary Crimes It's not an official guideline, but the notion of following up an alcoholic drink with a glass of water is a good practice to follow, Byrne said. 'Not only does it hydrate you, it also slows you down, and that can be helpful,' she added. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more often and can dehydrate you. If you decide to drink more than what the CDC guidelines consider 'moderate drinking,' following each drink with water is helpful, noted Byrne. 3. Don't drink on an empty stomach. You probably have at least one memory (albeit, a fuzzy one) of drinking on an empty stomach. For more reasons than one, Byrne said, drinking on an empty stomach is not a good idea. 'I do not recommend drinking on an empty stomach. The alcohol can hit you faster that way, and that can be a problem,' she said. Specifically, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, your body absorbs alcohol faster when you don't have food in your stomach. 'Drinking while eating can help you not get so drunk, which is a good thing,' Byrne said. 'It also could help you drink less because you're not just drinking, you're also eating — there's something else to do. And drinking less is a good thing.' So if you end up at a happy hour with friends, order a few bites to eat, too. 4. Don't replace meals with alcohol. According to Brooks, while alcohol does provide your body with calories, it does not provide it with necessary nutrition, like protein, fiber or fat. 'People tend to equate dietary quality with calories, which is really harmful, especially when it comes to alcohol. Because if they're just thinking about how many calories they're taking in, then they will replace food calories with alcohol calories and think that's enough or that's a healthy replacement,' Brooks said. 'But really, nutrition is about getting what we need: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals and water, and when we're cutting those things out to maintain calorie balance, then there's a nutrition risk,' she said. Your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs if you're replacing a meal with a filling beer. 5. Be aware of what constitutes binge drinking. Byrne said it's important to know the official definition of binge drinking. The CDC says having five drinks or more on an occasion for men and four drinks or more for women is considered binge drinking. 'I think it's less than a lot of people think,' Byrne noted. Think about it: If you've ever been to a wedding where there's cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and often an after-party, you know how easy it is to have four or five drinks during the celebration. 'What you do with alcohol is completely up to you, and just because you drink more than what's considered binge drinking on a single occasion doesn't necessarily mean you have an alcohol addiction or an alcohol problem,' Byrne said. 'I want to make that clear, too, but technically speaking, that is the definition of binge drinking.' 6. Pay close attention to you're drinking. For those who do choose to drink, Brooks said it's important to pay attention to three things: The frequency and quantity of your drinking: Use the CDC's guidelines to assess how much and how often you're drinking. Why you're drinking: 'Ask yourself, what is it that I think this drink will do for me?' Brooks said, adding that if you're using alcohol to de-stress, let loose or be more social, know that you can do this without drinking. Is there something else you can do or drink instead of alcohol? 'Because there are actually so many ways that we can achieve those benefits that people think they're getting from drinking, we can get all of those things without drinking,' Brooks said. 'If you are saying, 'Well, I just need this drink because I just need to relax' ... that alcohol itself isn't actually what helps you relax. [What can give you that effect can] be the sitting, taking a break from what you're doing or going to happy hour and talking to people, connecting to people, getting a change of scenery,' Brooks explained. You can still relax without a glass of wine. You could take up coloring or take a bath with a seltzer by your side instead of a glass of wine, or you could go out for a walk for an after-work change of scenery, she added. 'If somebody believes that having that drink at the end of the day is their way to relax, then just by default they're not thinking about other ways that they actually could decompress,' Brooks said. Beyond thinking about your intention with alcohol, it's important to look at any red flags, too. 'If you think your drinking might be problematic, ask yourself why you're doing it,' Byrne said, 'and if you're doing it to avoid certain feelings or numb certain feelings, then that's something to question and probably a reason to reassess your relationship with alcohol.' In this case, it's also a good idea to reach out to a therapist who's trained in substance use treatment who can support you, Byrne added. The Psychology Today website can help you find a local mental health provider. Additionally, Brooks noted that changing your drinking habits is not an easy feat. If you are trying to do this, it's a good idea to lean on loved ones who have a similar article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Food: 25 Peculiar Family Food Traditions People Thought Were Totally Normal Growing Up That Range From "Weird" To "Disgusting" To Actually Really Cute Also in Food: "They Kept Looking At Us Like We Were Sugar-Addicted Americans": 22 Comfort Foods From All Around The US That Probably Seem A Little Weird If You Didn't Grow Up Here Also in Food: Only True Culinary Geniuses Can Identify These 15 Recipes From Emojis Alone
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Mocktails are on the rise. But are they actually better for you than alcoholic beverages?
Mocktails are on the rise. But are they actually better for you than alcoholic beverages? Show Caption Hide Caption Booze be gone! How to take a break from alcohol for Dry January Clinical psychologist Dr. Ali Mattu explains how to commit to Dry January and manage social situations involving alcohol. Self Improved Two decades ago, approximately 72% of young adults in the U.S. reported drinking alcohol regularly. Today, that number has dropped to 62% among adults under age 35, according to Gallup polling data. Several factors contribute to this shift, including the growing popularity of the "sober-curious" movement and wellness trends like Dry January. But beyond social trends, many young adults are intentionally choosing to abstain from alcohol to better relationships or for personal, economic, religious or health reasons. In short, they are breaking with the drinking habits of previous generations. One increasingly popular alternative? Mocktails. These thoughtfully crafted, alcohol-free beverages are making their way onto bar menus, dinner tables and celebrations everywhere. Here's what mocktails are, why they've become so popular and whether switching to them really is better for your health. What are mocktails? Blending the words 'mock' and 'cocktail,' a mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that replicates the look, feel, experience and sometimes even the flavor of traditional cocktails – minus the booze. But mocktails are usually more than flavored soda. They often feature layered, sophisticated flavors made from 'fruit juices, muddled herbs like mint or basil, alcohol-free bitters, infused syrups, sparkling water and non-alcoholic tonics or spirits,' says Amy Goodson, a nutritionist and registered dietitian at The Sports Nutrition Playbook. "Garnishes such as fruit slices, herbs or spice rims often enhance flavor and visual appeal." Did you read? Will the sober-curious movement take off? Why are mocktails popular? For many, mocktails provide the best of both worlds: The ability to enjoy a celebratory or social beverage without the side effects or risks associated with alcohol. Mocktails are also typically more affordable than alcoholic beverages, and they're accessible to everyone, including those who are pregnant, individuals with religious or dietary restrictions, designated drivers and those recovering from substance use. Mocktails make it possible for any such people "to celebrate together without the need for alcohol," says Jen Messer, a nutrition consultant and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition. Their growing appeal has even prompted many bars and restaurants to create dedicated alcohol-free drink menus and have bartenders and mixologists trained to craft zero-proof options with the same creativity and care as their spirited counterparts. Don't focus on 'good' or 'bad' food. Your lifestyle habits are key to a heart-healthy diet. Are mocktails a healthier option than alcoholic beverages? While mocktails can contain added sugars or high-calorie ingredients, they are generally considered a healthier alternative to alcoholic beverages. This is primarily due to their lack of alcohol, a substance linked to a wide range of health issues, including liver disease, sleep disruption, hypertension and certain cancers. 'Even low levels of alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer,' notes Messer. Alcohol also acts as a diuretic, which contributes to dehydration. In contrast, "most of the ingredients in mocktails help maintain better hydration,' says Goodson. Mocktails also have the advantage of not impairing your judgment or motor skills the way alcohol can. And they make it possible to still enjoy a social experience without the risk of accidents, poor decisions or waking up with a hangover. This allows mocktails to help you "enjoy a night out without sacrificing the next day," says Messer. At the same time, moderation still matters. Like other trendy foods, "mocktails may give off a 'halo effect,'' warns Messer. 'Since they contain no alcohol, some people may view them as 'healthy' and may consume more than they would of alcohol-containing beverages.' This is ill-advised as mocktails can still be high in sugar and empty calories, and mocktails with energy boosters like matcha or green tea may also contain caffeine "which can affect sleep and increase heart rate," warns Goodson. So long as such considerations are kept in mind though, she says mocktails are "a fun, inclusive option."
Euronews
08-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Beer consumption in Belgium continues to decline
Belgium counts 400 breweries and produces more than 1,600 types of beers, and yet its beer consumption continues to decline. According to an annual report by the Belgian Brewers association, the country's beer consumption fell by 2.1% in 2024, although the declinde was not as steep as the 6% decrease in 2023. The drop is part of an ongoing downward trend, with consumption in the country falling by almost 20% in the last 10 years. The association cites "persistent pressure on purchasing power, reduced competitiveness, high costs and an unstable geopolitical context," as the reason for the decreased consumption. They also noted a change in drinking habits, and growing health concerns. "Belgians are drinking less alcohol overall, and so, less beer." But it is not just Belgium, European brewers have been grappling with the long-term decline as the European Union has experienced a decline in demand for alcoholic beers, a Eurostat report reveals. Instead, non-alcoholic beverages are becoming increasingly more popular. "Five years ago, there was just one non-alcoholic beer, now there are six," bar owner Waldo Marlier told local media when speaking about his own stock. Non-alcoholic drinks have also seen a rapid rise in the UK, including popular trends such a Dry January which consists of staying sober for the month. It was estimated that 15.5 million people took part in it in the UK in 2025. Younger generations, increasingly aware of the harmful impact of alcohol on both physical and mental health, are changing the heavy drinking installed by previous generations. A recent survey published in The Times revealed that almost half of 18- to 34-year-olds have stopped drinking alcohol altogether. Similarly, a 2024 YouGov study found that 44 percent of British people aged 18 to 24 now prefer low or non-alcoholic alternatives. For many, non-alcoholic options provide a way to moderate consumption, feel included, and maintain better self-control during nights out. Recent socio-economic events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis, have reshaped our relationship with alcohol, encouraging people to reconsider its financial and personal costs. The number of newborns in Japan is decreasing faster than projected, with the number of annual births falling to another record low last year, according to new government data. The Health Ministry said 686,061 babies were born in Japan in 2024, down 5.7 per cent from the previous year and the first time the number of newborns fell below 700,000 since records began in 1899. It's the 16th straight year of decline, and about one-quarter of the peak of 2.7 million births in 1949, during the postwar baby boom. The data in a country of rapidly ageing and shrinking population adds to concern about the sustainability of the economy and national security at a time it seeks to increase defense spending. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has described the situation as "a silent emergency". He has promised to promote a more flexible working environment and other measures that would help married couples to balance work and parenting, especially in rural areas where family values tend to be more conservative and harder on women. Japan is one of a number of east Asian countries grappling with falling birth rates and an ageing population. South Korea and China, for example, have fought for years to encourage families to have more children. And on Wednesday, Vietnam scrapped decades-old laws limiting families to two children in an effort to stem falling birth rates. The Health Ministry's latest data showed that Japan's fertility rate – the average number of babies a woman is expected to have in her lifetime – also fell to a new low of 1.15 in 2024, from 1.2 a year earlier. The number of marriages was slightly up, to 485,063 couples, but the downturn since the 1970s remains unchanged. Experts say the government's measures have not addressed a growing number of young people reluctant to marry, largely focusing on already married couples. The younger generation is increasingly reluctant to marry or have children due to bleak job prospects, a high cost of living, and a gender-biased corporate culture that adds extra burdens for women and working mothers, experts say. A growing number of women also cite pressure to take their husband's surname as a reason for their reluctance to marry. Under Japanese law, couples must choose a single surname to marry. Japan's population of about 124 million people is projected to fall to 87 million by 2070, with 40 per cent of the population over 65.
