This time of year especially, many of you struggle with the whole “moderation” thing, and can feel pressured to have alcohol to fit in, or will not decline the offer for fear of hurting the hosts feelings. Look, it’s time to realize you won’t make anyone feel badly by saying “no thank you”. That’s their issue, not yours.
That said, I too, get tired of a plain old glass of water at parties, or even just with dinner at home. My clients often ask if diet soda is okay. My answer is this: “If sugared soda or alcohol is the other option, diet soda is fine”. Then I suggest the very thing I do, as pictured below. Club soda, aka “Sparkling Water”. Simple, interesting from my usual tap water, and HEB has a low cost, recycle can, that comes in a case of 12. I prefer the individual can, as the larger bottles can lose their fizz. Other brands are La Croix, Perrier, Pellegrino, etc., but for a higher price tag. Me? I’m easy, HEB’s is great and under 3 bucks usually, and it kills that craving for when I want something else, not so healthy. 
Remember two things while you’re here: Thirst will often rear itself as hunger, so if you feel hungry you may very well just be thirsty. Secondly, diet sodas, even this club soda, will not necessarily kill your thirst; they can make you feel thirstier! Chase or precede a carbonated beverage with regular water. If you drink alcohol, alternate with water.
Take care,
Margo
