Have you been trying to lose weight and improve your health? According to a new article from the Daily News, drinking alcohol may get in the way of your plans.

The American Heart Association has said that for those who drink, less is best. That means one to two drinks daily for men, and one drink for women. Drinking more can affect your health negatively, by raising your risk for breast cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, and obesity.

Alcohol has been said to raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Studies have shown that this does not mean it is a good idea that nondrinkers start drinking.

Drinking before a meal can make you take in more calories with a meal. Because alcohol has “empty” calories, since it has no nutrition value, you might be packing on the pounds for no good reason with every drink.

If you are a drinker, then, what should you do to keep yourself healthy?

1. Drink in moderation. Men may have 1-2 drinks, while women may have 1 drink daily.
2. When making mixed drinks at home, use light juices from fruits like lime, lemon, and pomegranate instead of heavy mixers and syrups.
3. Use sparkling water or ice to dilute sangrias, spritzers, or champagne cocktails.
4. When choosing a drink, keep in mind the standard serving for alcohol: 5-ounce glass of wine, 1.5 ounces of liquor or a 12-ounce beer.

Check out the article here.