Alcohol doesn’t help your metabolism, so check yourself: Are you reaching for that drink out of real desire, or just out of habit? If you really want, it, some tricks will help reduce the impact of an occasional drink on your system: Save your alcoholic drink for the evening, and balance it out with a protein-rich meal. Opt for organic, sulfite-free wines or top-shelf liquor, and always drink eight extra ounces of water for every drink.