In the U.S., low-risk drinking is defined as:

Men: Two standard drinks (40g alcohol) per day
Women: One drink (20g alcohol) per day

One standard drink contains 14 grams of alcohol.

One drink = 12 fl. oz regular beer, 5 fl. oz wine, or 1.5 fl. oz spirits (80 proof)

And sorry folks! Saving all your daily drinks for one weekly occasion doesn’t count! In fact, it could be classified as “heavy drinking” and cause health problems. It is also usually recommended that you have two alcohol-free days a week.

For some people, safe drinking will mean no alcohol at all. Even one drink may impair driving skills, particularly if you are tired. Try not to exceed four drinks in one session if you are male or three drinks in one session if you are female. It is advisable not to drink at all if you are:

• Pregnant or trying to conceive
• Taking drugs or medication (unless approved by your doctor or pharmacist)
• Have a condition such as liver or heart disease
• Planning to drive, use machinery or play sports
• Studying or needing to concentrate

Of course, most people don’t stick to the safe alcohol limits every day of their lives – particularly if there’s a party involved. If you're planning to have a few drinks at a party or function, there are certain things you can do to protect your health and waistline. Try these smart tips for social drinking:

• Have a few glasses of water before you go out.
• Have something healthy and filling to eat before you go out. Food slows the rate of the alcohol absorption. Drinking on an empty stomach may also lessen your resolve to drink sensibly.
• Plan how much you are going to drink before you go out and stop when you've reached your limit.
• Have a non-alcoholic “spacer” between drinks (examples: water, orange juice, diet soda). Take your own diet soda with you to the party or function if necessary.
• Compare the alcohol content of different drinks and select those with lower content. Check the CalorieKing.com database for information on the alcohol and calorie content of different drinks.
• Ask for half measures of alcohol, such as a half shot of scotch.
• Try a wine spritzer – mix white wine with mineral water.
• Drink slowly. Chugging or drinking fast is the major cause of illness and death from alcohol poisoning.
• Avoid cream-based cocktails.
• Do not drive, swim, or operate machinery while under the influence.
• Have one or two glasses of water before you go to bed.