Cheers!

It’s my birthday this week, and this girl has some serious celebrating to do! I’m raising a glass to my recent graduation from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and the official beginning of my new journey as Certified Health Counselor. Yay!

So,with all this toasting to do, I’m guessing my blog posts will dwindle this week. But, I didn’t want to leave you empty handed.

A recent study from Osaka University in Japan found that having an few alcoholic drinks with friends could actually reduce your risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. The stress-reducing time you spend at happy hour can scare off disease and help you feel happy and healthy. Of course, these positive benefits come with light-to-moderate drinks…not a fall-off-the-bar “can somebody give me a ride home?” kind of time. Ya know what I’m sayin’?

I like this study because the scientists are taking a different approach to nutritional benefits. They’re looking at the “psychosocial” factors that affect the positive (or negative) outcomes of the food and drinks we consume.

To put it simply…

You can bet that drinking Patron w/Grapefruit Juice & Lime from your couch at home will affect your body differently than the same drink at the bar with close friends and lots of laughter.

Just a little something to brighten up your Monday! Whether or not you enjoy the occasional drinks with friends and family, let’s give a cheers to reducing stress and kicking back every once in awhile.

Wishing you a great week,

Laurel