Alcohol and Nutrition:
Before getting into alcohol’s damaging effects, studies consistently show alcohol in moderation may have some health benefits. Such as, reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes, dementia, diabetes, and osteoporosis. However, these benefits are only in adults age 35 and older. No health benefits are evident before middle age.
What is Alcohol in Moderation
- 1 drink per day for women
- 2 drinks per day for men
Unfortunately, saving drinks for the weekend does not equate to moderate drinking and not recommended.
What defines one drink:
- 4 oz wine
- 12 oz beer
- 1 1/2 oz distilled liquor (80 proof whiskey, scotch, rum, vodka)
Alcohol in the Body
When alcohol enters the body, it takes priority over food. Food requires digestion, alcohol does not and is quickly absorbed across the wall of an empty stomach, reaching the brain within a few minutes – think ‘tipsy’
In the small intestines, alcohol is rapidly absorbed and also giving priority treatment. Hence alcohol gets absorbed and metabolized before most nutrients!
Why priority treatment for Alcohol?
- Cannot be stored in the body
- Potentially toxic
- Interferes with metabolism and impairs health and nutrition
Alcohol and Weight Loss
In general when desiring to lose weight – regardless the amount – every calorie counts. The higher the quality of those calories, the faster you will see weight loss results. I don’t promote completely cutting out foods or beverages (going ‘cold turkey’ ) that a new client feels they are not ready to let go of. This generally back fires after a few weeks. Changing habits is a gradual process that must happen organically for it to last long-term. I do promote reducing the amount and give recommendations accordingly, otherwise weight loss is impaired.
In most cases, when a client witnesses the benefits of reducing the amount of alcohol and replacing it with satisfying meals/snacks, they tend to have less desire (cravings) for alcohol and cut it out themselves!
Essential Keys for Alcohol Intake
Drink sparingly.
If you’re not a drinker, don’t start!
**To take a deeper dive in how your body will benefit from the power of food, please inbox me directly and mention ConVersatePromo***