Drinking This Weekend? Stop At One

As winter finally gives way to spring, I'm guessing the urge to spend your weekends on patios with friends is winning out over the winter tendency to curl up on the couch with a DVD.

Having drinks with friends is a great way to spend the evening, but recent research says you should stop after one to truly have a great night. Why? Apparently, one drink releases feel-good endorphins into your bloodstream, but more than that reverses the effect.

There's another reason to stop after one: Calories. A pint of beer can have upwards of 200 calories, and a margarita can run you around 300. Yeesh. That's not all -- drinking relaxes your inhibitions, meaning you're much more likely to see that 2 a.m. chili cheese dog as a good idea. Plus, who works out when they're feeling hungover?

By all means, do have fun -- just do your best to limit your 'fun' to a waistline-friendly amount.