You don't need to abstain. You do need to be smarter about it.
Lower tolerance
Reduced food intake + slowed gastric emptying = alcohol hits faster and harder. Two pegs feel like four. Plan accordingly.
Empty calories
Alcohol is calories without nutrition; on a reduced overall intake, this becomes a higher % of your day. Reduce frequency if weight loss has stalled.
Sweet drinks worst
Cocktails, sweet wines, sangria — high sugar load on top of alcohol. Choose dry wine, neat spirits with soda, or skip.
