I do not worry about things I cannot control, and I focus on my own inner peacefulness. – Glenn Reiner, yoga teacher

I read an article at About.com the other day on how you can lose weight easily through one trick – stop drinking alcohol. Each glass of wine or beer holds a great lot of calories. Reducing by a few glasses a week may well be all you need.

If you have an alcohol dependency, quitting completely is the best way to go for your health and life. If you find you cannot quit on your own, please see your doctor.

For those that drink responsibly and do not have symptoms of dependency, there are ways to reduce the urge to pour one more.

These two techniques help you apply a little mindfulness to how you drink when you are at a party where a glass in hand is normal, or at home where you might have a few glasses of wine. 

Alternate alcohol with non-alcohol

Consider alternating the usual cocktail with a glass of water that has had a small splash of juice added. My favorite juices are cranberry, acai, blueberry, orange, and pomegranate. Flavor is important. People often say they would love to drink more water, and know they should, but it’s so plain. Well, it doesn’t have to be.

There are juice products and fruits in your local store all waiting to enhance a glass of cold water. Which juice would you use to flavor your water?

Mineral water with a squish of fresh lime or lemon may be your preference. Bubbling merrily or calmly sitting still in your glass, water is always good.

Don’t make a big fuss over it, just go fetch it yourself.

Push it Back 15 Minutes

When you reach for the bottle to automatically pour a second glass of zinfandel, pause, take three breaths, and then wait 15 minutes before you refill your glass.

You may find that the urge for more is gone. Or you might find that you would prefer wait another 15 minutes, or have another glass of juicy water.

Mindfully Considered:

While the article I read had to do with drinking, this technique works very well with over-eating.

In addition to reducing calories, when you Alternate you get the benefit of greater hydration and a bit of vitamins from the juice.

The Push it Back 15 Minutes method helps you ride through the height of the urge to mindlessly eat or drink allowing you to regain control. What a great way to enhance inner peace with a dose of personal confidence. Give it a try.

Peace through pausing and waiting,

Janice