Unpopular truth: alcohol will impact weight loss. You've heard it all before but probably wondered exactly how and why it is so detrimental. Well, after reading this article you should no longer be left wondering.
Changing your relationship with it is a key component in healing your metabolism, losing weight and keeping it off. Here is exactly why:
Alcohol inhibits lipolysis which is the process of burning fat. If you want to lose stored body fat you need to be able to burn it!
Alcohol reduces inhibitions. So, much like you’re more likely to get up and dance after a few drinks, you’re also more likely to say yes to foods that you otherwise wouldn’t. The ‘I’ll start dieting again tomorrow’ and ‘f&*k it’ mentality.
Alcohol impacts sleep quality. A poor nights sleep will lead to more cravings, more cortisol and less energy the next day, further derailing your metabolism and fat burning ability.
Alcohol is higher in calories than carbohydrates and protein. Couple that with the sugars in most drinks and it can easily push you into calorie excess.
I promise it is entirely possible to find enjoyment in other drinks and other things. Alcohol free options include soda water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, kombucha, apple cider vinegar drinks or tea. My absolute favourite non-alcoholic drink at the moment is a Raspberry Switchel from Hilbilby Cultured Food.
To make:
1. Combine Raspberry Switchel concentrate with soda water
2. Add a squeeze of lemon
3. Enjoy
I love Raspberry Switchel because there are no artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours, or preservatives. It's refined sugar free with raw, unfiltered bio-dynamic Red Wine Vinegar with the Mother of Vinegar and raspberry concentrate extracted from real raspberries. This is not a sponsored post, I just want to offer inspiration for alcohol free enjoyment.
If you need to lose weight and want my support please book a complementary 15 minute Discovery Call.
References
1. Bunout D. Nutritional and metabolic effects of alcoholism: their relationship with alcoholic liver disease. Nutrition. 1999;15(7-8):583-589. DOI: 10.1016/s0899-9007(99)00090-8
2. Myhre JB, Løken EB, Wandel M, Andersen LF. The contribution of snacks to dietary intake and their association with eating location among Norwegian adults - results from a cross-sectional dietary survey. BMC Public Health. 2015;15:369. Published 2015 Apr 12. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1712-7
3. French MT, Norton EC, Fang H, Maclean JC. Alcohol consumption and body weight. Health Econ. 2010;19(7):814-832. DOI: 10.1002/hec.1521