People are drinking less across the country -- alcohol consumption dropped for the third straight year according to an analysis of the alcoholic beverage market.
The analysis cites an increase in health awareness, and Ochsner fitness expert and dietician Molly Kimball says even in New Orleans, people seem to be drinking less.
"For lent, we actually do the 'Alcohol-free for 40' challenge, and I was shocked: when we started that a few years back, I thought there would be a revolt, but actually, the response from people was really enthusiastic," said Kimball "That has actually, for some people, turned into a lifestyle change, that they realize, they prefer it better."
She said she was surprised at how many people extended the challenge beyond 40 days, and stay on the wagon.
The survey from IWSR, a group that analyzes the alcoholic beverage industry, finds beer drinking dropped, but consumption of craft beers, wine and spirits increased, only not enough to keep pace. Overall alcohol consumption was down 0.8 percent.