Alcohol and Weight Loss

It's summer! I'm hearing a lot from my clients that it is one invitation to a party or gathering after another. What to do? Will alcohol really sabotage all my hard work? Sorry...but the answer is yes. When you're trying to lose weight, alcohol is a number one enemy. Simply, alcohol can sabotage your weight-loss efforts. It releases estrogen into your bloodstream, promotes fat storage, and decreases muscle growth. As soon as you have a drink, your body eats up all the glycogen (which is your stored glucose) which makes you hungry and reduces your inhibitions. So you're more likely to grab the chicken wings or plate of nachos at happy hour. Plus, alcoholic drinks contain many more calories than people think. For example, a 20 ounce serving of beer can pack 250 calories, while a 6 ounce glass of wine contains 120. With that being said, there are some healthier choices out there.

Do’s

Stick to organic alcoholic beverages when possible. Bring a bottle of organic red wine to a party or bring two… one to open and want to give as a hostess gift.

Enjoy 2 to 3 drinks each week, not to 2-3 drinks each day.

Choose red wine, sake, or clear liquors, like a high-quality vodka. Choose a high-quality brand because they're better filtered than cheap brands. Mix it with club soda and/or fresh lemon or lime to your liking.

Recipe: Healthy cocktail option…Mix 1 ounce vodka with 6 ounces club soda, have a squeeze of fresh lime and splash (about half an ounce) of cranberry juice.

*Club soda has no calories or sugar. It does contain sodium so enjoy it in moderation as too much sodium can cause dehydration.

Don'ts

Drink on an empty stomach.

Drink every night of the week. Give your body and liver a break!

Skip white wine, beer, dark liquors, and all mixers (regular soda, diet soda, juice, and tonic water, which are filled with sugar or unhealthy artificial sweeteners) except club soda.

And if you ever drink too much…

Take an anti-inflammatory supplement like vitamin C with a large glass of water before bed.

Drink a huge glass of water upon waking.

Eat a low glycemic breakfast as soon as possible in the morning. Skip the high carbs and go for a healthy protein drink or some scrambled eggs with veggies. Drinking too much spiked your blood sugar so you'll be craving sugar the next morning. Break the cycle in the morning by getting back to low glycemic foods.

Sip on hot water with lemon throughout the day to help promote your body's detoxification process.

Again...it’s not about being perfect...it's about being consistent. Think about your goals, desires...and choose wisely!