Feeling sluggish and lethargic does not have to be par for the course at this time of the year, even though the days are getting shorter and the nights are drawing in.

If you are getting tired and fed up with the colder weather, it may be time for some healthy living to get you back on track.

According to nutritionist and author Suzi Grant, cutting down on alcohol consumption could help people start to feel better.

"Sugar is the work of the devil in my book," she explained. "Of course it's in alcohol - everyone says a glass of red wine is really good because of the antioxidants, but actually it's the grapes that are giving the antioxidants."

The British Association of Nutritional Therapists member noted that the sugar comes from the fermenting process of wine production, which can give lots of individuals digestive problems and is not good for those with diabetes or low blood-sugar problems.

"They'd be better off eating a bunch of grapes, which are still incredibly high in natural sugar but at least give the antioxidants first-hand," Ms Grant said.

Above all, drinking alcohol in moderation is advisable, not least because it is a depressive and can actually make you feel more down once the initial buzz has worn off.

"What I always tell my clients is that if they like booze, keep to the clean, low-sugar spirits like dry, sparkling wine or dry champagne, tequila or vodka. They're much lower in sugar, but if you like the odd glass of red wine that's fine," the nutrition expert added.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reported that many people could live to see their 100th birthday by following healthy living steps.

These include taking regular exercise, which could see more individuals investing in Yoga mats, because inactivity can take almost four years off a person's expected lifespan.

Posted by Freya Harper