Going out and being social when you’re trying to get healthier — whether to lose weight or training for a sporting event— is a challenge.
Not only is peer pressure real, but there are so many temptations that even a willpower of steel can’t withstand.
You don’t have to choose between keeping up with your social circle and accomplishing your weight/health goals.
I will share 3 ways alcohol impedes weight loss and reveal how to have your drink and lose weight too!
#1 “Alcohol is used as a primary source of fuel.”
Normally your body burns your fat reserves to get the energy it needs, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to lose weight. The problem with drinking alcohol while you’re following a weight loss plan, is the alcohol provides a quicker, more accessible form of energy for your body than fat does. When alcohol is consumed, it’s burned first as a fuel source before your body uses anything else.
Why? The body will always go for the quickest and easiest energy source for fuel and, fat isn’t it!
#2 “Alcohol affects judgment calls… especially with food.”
Even the most committed diet fan will have a hard time fighting the urge to “indulge” when intoxicated. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can lead to poor decision-making in the heat of the moment — especially when it comes to food choices. However, the effects of alcohol surpass even social drinking etiquette.
Studies continue to support that alcohol can actually trigger hunger signals in the brain, leading to an increased urge to eat more food.
#3 “Alcohol can negatively affect your sleep.”
It’s estimated as many as 20% of Americans have an alcoholic drink to help them fall asleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). But while the booze-and-snooze effect can prompt sleepiness, it tends to sabotage the quality of your overall sleep overall. That’s because it can interrupt your circadian rhythm (or sleep-wake cycles), block restorative REM sleep and aggravate breathing problems.
Sleep deprivation, whether from lack of sleep or impaired sleep, can lead to an imbalance in the hormones related to hunger, satiety, and fat storage.
“How to have your Drink and Lose Weight Too!”
While cutting alcohol completely out of your diet isn’t necessarily the only way to lose weight, there are many improvements that can be made in your health journey by simply cutting back on the alcohol.
Moderation is still key! Moderation defined as one drink per day for women and two for men. Stick to liquor on the rocks (1 oz shot) or wine (~ 4 oz pour) to cut out the excess calories and sugar from chasers & sodas.
NOTE: No “saving up” drinks for the weekend!
Sandra Recommends
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