ALCOHOL
Many of you will choose to consume alcohol on occasion. This is okay as long as you remember to drink only in moderation (no more than one drink per day) and commit yourself to NEVER DRINKING AND DRIVING.

Harris Teeter provides shoppers with over 2,000 varieties of fine wine from all over the world and 300 beer choices. If you are looking for something special to complement your next meal, be sure to ask the wine steward at your local Harris Teeter to make a recommendation.

If you choose to drink an alcoholic beverage please Don’t Drink and Drive. Always select a designated driver before going out if you are planning to drink.

How much is one drink per day?
A “drink” is normally defined as one of the following:

One 12 oz beer
One shot of 80 proof liquor
One 4 oz glass of wine

TOBACCO
You know you need to stop smoking. You know it’s bad for your health, you even know it’s bad for those around you. You likely know that even simply chewing tobacco can increase your risk for some very bad diseases.

We know something, too – it’s hard to quit smoking and chewing tobacco.The good news is that help is available from many good sources.

Start by setting a date by which time you will have kicked the habit. Be reasonable and kind to yourself, but be firm, too. Make the date for quitting be no longer than 3 months from now.

Visit the American Cancer Society’s web site to learn more about tobacco and how you can stop using it. Consider the wide variety of activities and products available that might help you stop using tobacco products, then speak to your doctor about what options might be best for you.

SPLURGE FOODS and SUGAR
It might seem too much to list sugary snacks on the same page as alcohol and tobacco, but the risks associated with overindulging in these foods are real and serious. Think weight gain, diabetes, and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease for starters.

The yourwellness team is not as concerned with your enjoying foods that are naturally sweet, like fruit, as we are with those that contain added sweeteners, lots of calories, and that are often enjoyed instead of more nutritious food and drink.

Before we go on, a disclaimer – we’re not saying you shouldn’t enjoy sweets! Sweets are one of the joys of life, so do enjoy them, but enjoy them in moderation.

The USDA recommends we limit added sugar intake to less than 40-50 grams per day, so read your food labels!