Beer, Food & Wine

How Whiskey Enthusiasts Can Maintain a Healthy Diet

Salmon dinner
(Credit: Valeria Boltneva/Pexels)

A love of whiskey is a wonderful thing, yet also a passion that has to be built around moderation rather than regular overindulgence.

This applies to the rest of your diet, and if you’re not exactly up to speed on the current thinking regarding nutrition, you’ll need at least a little nudge in the right direction.

To that end, here are some tips to take into account as you plan your food routine in order to continue sipping top tipples without compromising your long-term health.

Aim for Balance

First and foremost you have to follow a balanced diet that’s based on your particular needs, and avoid ultra processed foods and ingredients wherever possible. Purity is important in whiskey, and this is a good rule of thumb to follow for nutritional choices as well.

For most people this means making sure you get more fruit and vegetables into your diet each and every day. The CDC recommended intake of between 1.5 and 2 cups of fruit, alongside 2 to 3 cups of vegetables, is a good starting point for adults. It’s also a recommendation that only 10% of us actually hit, so chances are you’ll benefit from making a change here.

On top of this, you will need enough protein to keep your body and mind in fine fettle. Incorporating lean meats and fish into your diet, while ditching fattier cuts, will serve you well. And since you can take delivery of premium protein meals at your doorstep via reputable suppliers, there are even ways for time-poor people to tuck into grub that’s good for you.

Pick Healthy Pairings

Pairing food with whiskey is popular, and can also contribute to your efforts to follow a healthier diet. You just have to know which varieties of whiskey are a good match for foods that won’t cause havoc with your waistline.

In terms of lean proteins such as grilled chicken or turkey, you can really take your pick as these choices complement the robust notes of many whiskeys, while also keeping the meal light. Even those at the sweeter end of the spectrum will lend themselves well to this type of dish.

For snacks, opt for almonds or mixed nuts over chips. Nuts provide healthy fats that pair well with whiskey’s warmth.

Vegetable skewers make another excellent choice. The smoky char from grilling enhances the whiskey’s character without adding extra calories.

Don’t forget about fruits like apples or pears, especially when served with a slice of aged cheddar. Their sweetness offsets the whiskey’s intensity beautifully.

You’ll have to use your personal taste to dictate which pairings hit the spot, of course. And it goes without saying, but eating healthily as well as enjoying whiskey responsibly has to go hand in hand, as an excess of either food or drink will be bad for you, irrespective of the quality of the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Being balanced and selective in what you eat and when you eat it is the best way for any whiskey aficionado to find the path to a healthier lifestyle. Making these adjustments gradually, rather than going all-in at once, is the last piece of advice worth following if you want to make any positive changes stick.

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