Know what’s in your glass

Portion sizes are not just for food

Pace yourself and reduce your units when drinking. Photograph: Thinkstock
Pace yourself and reduce your units when drinking. Photograph: Thinkstock

Recommended alcohol limits are all about portion sizes. The Irish Heart Foundation says women should drink a maximum of 11 standard units a week, and men should stick to at most 17 units.

That amount is less than you might think, as one bottle of wine contains about seven standard units of alcohol. The UK’s National Health Service says one pint of beer is the equivalent of two to three units, so keep the size of your glass in mind when you drink.

Also, pace yourself. Try not to get into rounds and alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

For more information, including a handy alcohol units calculator, check out this website.