Cut Back or Drink Better?

Updates to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Last week the Dietary Guidelines and Advisory Committee (DGAC), pronounced "Dee-GAK" by me, released their five-year update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In the past, the definition of moderate drinking for men was 2 drinks per day. The new recommendation by DGAC has cut that down to 1 drink per day. Women were already recommended not to exceed 1 drink per day to be considered moderate drinkers.

This change brings some criticism from doctors, scientists, winos, and liquor store owners. We all know that alcohol is inherently bad for the human body when consumed too often and in large quantities. We also know that around a century ago, the United States waged war on the consumption of alcohol with the notorious Volstead Act and lost that war some years later with the passing of the Twenty-First Amendment.

So here we are being told to cut back again.

Well, I have a different opinion, but I feel I should warn you first because I am no doctor or scientist, nor am I on a committee with a cool acronym.

Let's continue drinking, but make an effort to do it better. It is the same opinion I have on eating. I don't order fast food, and I rarely go for takeout. If I want french fries, I cut up a locally grown russet that I bought from a farm stand down the street and walked home with uphill. Then I deep fry it in a high walled cast iron skillet until it is golden brown, and you know what? I never feel guilty. Cheeseburgers? Hell yeah, but I am going to grind the meat that I bought from my butcher and do it right.

So when it comes to drinking, I want my drinks to count, and I want them to be of high quality. I don't mind passing on a glass of cheap domestic sparkling wine when I know there is a bottle of Cremant in my fridge at home. Whiteclaw? No thanks, just a water for me I will make a Gin Ricky when I get home later.

With our stay in situation here in the States, it can be easy to slip into junk food and junk drink mode. Too easy. All the bars and restaurants are willing to bring anything to you! I can order an entire cheesecake, an eighth of Maryjane, and a growler full of Mai Tais any day starting at noon to be delivered ASAP, and doing so supports local business! I say get yourself a springform pan and learn how to make a cheesecake. Break out that juicer and figure out what rum combo works best in a Mai Tai for you. Heck, grow your own weed if you want! Learn a new skill!

We currently have the time, and we might as well do something fun and useful. So what if they recommend cutting back. You know your body better than they do.