It’s the holidays and it’s time to celebrate. 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, fat, 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.
Other negative effects of alcohol:
- Lowers inhibitions, making you more suseptable to over eating or eating unhealthy foods
- Increases appetite
- Can damage stomach, kidneys and liver
- 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 Light
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
4 oz white wine
75 cals
1 carb
1 oz. vodka
64 calories
0 carbs
1 oz. whiskey
64 calories
0 carbs
So don’t spoil all that hard work on a few drinks. Hope this helps!!
Kyra Williams,
The Get In Shape Girl
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