It’s almost summer and it’s time to celebrate life and warm weather! Fortunately and unfortunately much of that celebration includes unhealthy eating choices and alcohol. Many of us too are the picture of perfect health all week, but as soon as the weekend hits we treat our bodies like a dumpster.
Well next time you consider taking a sip of your favorite adult beverage consider this:
Alcohol is full of what are known as empty calories, or calories without nutrition. Empty calories are the first fuel to be used when combined with carbohydrates, fats and proteins, postponing the fat-burning process and contributing to greater fat storage.
The calories in alcohol lack the nutrients beneficial for a healthy metabolism and will therefore hasten fat storage. The calories found in the average alcoholic drink are very concentrated compared to many foods, and this actually causes one to inadvertently take in many more calories than would otherwise be consumed.
Also, if you use anything other than water, club soda or diet soda as a mixer that is additional calories and carbs. Wine and beer both have high carbohydrate content. Although the affects these various calorie types have on the body are different – carbohydrates release insulin, which can hasten fat storage, while fats will be stored directly in the fat cells – the overall result is added body fat.
Alcohol also slows down your metabolism which causes further fat storage and can disrupt the muscle building process.
Other negative effects of alcohol:
– Lowers inhibitions, making you more susceptible to over eating or eating unhealthy foods
– Increases appetite
– Can damage stomach, kidneys and liver (when they aren’t doing their job properly, this can also lead to fat storage)
– Lowers testosterone
– And when you are hungover you aren’t typically motivated to work out
Here are some nutrition fact examples of drinks:
12 oz. mich ultra 96 cals 3 carbs
12 oz. Bud Ligh t 110 calories 7 carbs
12oz. Guinness 176 cals 14 carbs
12 oz. Miller Lite 96 cals 3.2 carbs
4 oz. red wine 85 cals 2 carbs (varies)
4 oz white wine 75 cals 3 carb (varies)
1 oz. vodka 64 calories 0 carbs
1 oz. whiskey 71 calories 0 carbs
1 oz. tequila
62 calories
0 carbs
So think about this after you have put in all of your hard work and effort.
What is your drink of choice or is it worth it to you? Leave a comment below!
Your Coach,
Kyra
Do you have your custom meal plan to lose weight?
Work 1:1 with me here to get your plan and faster results today!