Drinking alcohol is a common part of social life for many of us, but it can have an a negative impact on our weight-loss goals. While alcohol itself does not contain fat, it can lead to weight gain if consumed to excess.
How drinking alcohol affects weight-loss:
Empty calories: Alcoholic drinks are high in calories, but they do not provide any nutritional value. In fact, a single alcoholic drink can contain as many calories as a small meal. If you're trying to lose weight, consuming too many empty calories from alcohol can hinder your progress.
Increased appetite: Alcohol can increase your appetite and lead to over-eating. This is because it can lower your inhibitions and make it more difficult to resist those unhealthy food choices.
Slows down metabolism: Drinking alcohol can slow down your metabolism, making it more difficult for your body to burn calories. This means that, even if you're eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, alcohol consumption can still hinder weight-loss.
Affects sleep quality: Alcohol consumption can also affect the quality of your sleep, which is important for weight-loss. Poor sleep can lead to increased levels of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to that dreaded weight gain.
While it's possible to enjoy alcohol in moderation and still lose weight, it's important to be mindful of your drinking habits and how much you are consuming. Here are some 5 ways to enjoy alcohol, while still working towards your slim transformation goals:
Limit the amount you drink: Stick to the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption, which is one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Choose lower calorie options: Go for the lower calorie options like light beer or wine spritzers. Avoid sugary cocktails and drinks with a high alcohol content.
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help you feel fuller and reduce the that urge to overeat. Drink water before and after consuming alcohol to stay hydrated.
Eat before drinking: Eating a healthy meal before drinking can help you avoid overeating and make it easier to stick to healthy food choices.
Be mindful: Practise mindful drinking by sipping slowly and enjoying the flavour of the drink. Avoid mindless drinking, which can lead to excessive consumption and opens the potential for a hang-over next day!
Drinking alcohol can have an impact on our weight-loss goals. While it's possible to enjoy alcohol in moderation, it's important to be mindful of how much we drink and the impact on our overall health and weight-loss goals. Let's all balance that spritzer with a glass of water. Cheers!
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