Cut Down on Alcohol to Help with Weight Loss
Everybody likes a drink now and then, but too much can cause weight gain and make losing weight more difficult.
At Curves, we’re realistic about weight loss. No-one expects you to sit on the sidelines at a party with a mineral water, but if you’re serious about losing weight and improving your health, managing your alcohol intake will make a real difference to your success.
One of the most common mistakes people make is thinking that by eating fewer calories during the day, they can drink more in the evening without worrying about the impact that it has on diet plans, but this is a myth.Your body needs nutrition more than anything else, and it recognises food and alcohol as two separate things.
When you drink, no matter how tasty, relaxing or refreshing you think it is, your body reacts to alcohol as a toxin and makes processing it a priority.This means that any carbs or fats you’ve consumed are ignored by your digestion system and liver while the alcohol is processed, making it more likely to convert to body fat.
Also, when you’ve had a few, your willpower to ignore bar snacks or resist greasy food is weakened, especially if you’ve skipped meals during the day. Think about it, how many times have you actually been to a late night takeaway when totally sober?
If you really want to compensate for the calories you consume in your alcoholic drinks, take extra exercise instead of skipping meals.The good news is that you don’t have to stop drinking alcohol altogether. In fact, moderate amounts of alcohol, which is classed as one or two drinks per day, can actually help to keep your heart healthy.
To include alcohol in your diet without breaking it, here are a few simple changes you can make to your drinking habits which will make it easier for your body – and your willpower – to keep those kilos off for good.
Beware of mixers.
Coke and lemonade are high in sugar, so if you drink spirits, mix them with a low-cal alternative; a vodka and coke has approximately 120 calories. A vodka and soda water with a squeeze of lime is more refreshing and has only 75.
Beware of promotional offers.
Happy hours that offer you double-shots might save you a few bucks, but they might add a few ounces. On average, a single shot of alcohol has around 55 calories and a double has 110.
Pace yourself and drink one measure at a time.
It makes it easier for your body to process and get back to the business of dealing with your food intake.
Look for clear spirits like vodka, white rum, gin or Prosecco, they’re usually less calorific than dark rum, whisky and red wine.
You can get further advice on enjoying the drinks you like as part of a healthy, balanced diet, plus lots more useful information on losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle from the friendly fitness coaches at Curves.
