AIBU in relation to drinking and government recommended limits?

[Flexibilityisaghost]

I have seen a lot of threads on here, where people ask something along the lines of, "Am I drinking too much?" There are always a lot of answers along the lines of "That is above the government limits, and really bad for you" which is fair enough, and is undoubtedly true.

AIBU to suspect though, that most people don't manage to stick to all the recommended levels for everything? So if you stick to the government recommended levels for drinking, do you keep to the recommended levels for everything else, intake of fat, sugar salt etc. Also do you get the recommended level of exercise?

I am not sure I manage to stick to any of them, hoping its not just me!

I drink about 10 units a week.

I go to the gym 3 times a week, walk a lot and do an hour of yoga - so reckon I've got that one covered.

Not sure on the fat/sugar levels as I don't obsessively weigh stuff and read labels. But most of what I eat is cooked from scratch so probably somewhere near what is recommended.

If you'd asked this a few years ago, my answer would have been very different.

They are just guidelines. I think a lot of the figures are plucked out of the air to be honest.

"That is above the government limits, and really bad for you" which is fair enough, and is undoubtedly true.

Whilst I agree with your general point, it is not undoubtedly true that drinking above the recommended limits is really bad for you. The limits are not based on a scientific assessment. The problem with alcohol consumption advice is that too much of it is tied in with the temperance lobby.

I wonder how many govt ministers keep within the guidelines.

Also, I think the amount of alcohol that constitutes a unit has been lowered recently.

a 330ml bottle of 4%ish lager used to be considered 1 unit but according to the packaging is now 1.5 .
Also, I believe the amount of units deemed acceptable differs depending on where in the world you are, although I'm not 100% on that one, so correct me if I'm wrong.

It's not a hard and fast rule, but nevertheless it's probably a good idea to take note of them.
The problem is that some people tolerate alcohol better than others, and it's often difficult to predict. It is known that women suffer the ill effects of alcohol quicker on average than men. I did know of a lady who died of liver failure ,and she didn't drink massive amounts, and that was only over a 10 year period.
It's up to you if you want to take the risk. Personally I wouldn't. I used to drink a fair amount (probably over the guidelines) but I'm teetotal now,just for health reasons.

A tiny bit over once in a while? Meh?
Consistently eating, drinking etc more than you should is not good.
Feeling you need to use food or alcohol etc to cope with life. Bad.

Oh sorry, just noticed the rest of your question.
Diet - I don't really count how much sugar or fat I'm eating, I just try not to eat too much of it. I do restrict my salt intake because I'm prone to hypertension.
Exercise - I normally do at least 3 hours swimming per week, squats and things with weights indoors (probably another hour per week) and at least an hour walking every day.