If you haven’t gotten rid of your summer hangover, it’s time to reconsider. No, not the idea that you start binge-drinking again, but how alcohol is indeed hampering your weight management process. And when could be a better time than September to bid adieu to an unhealthy summer lifestyle?
Tom Pitfield, a fitness consultant said, “Unfortunately, alcohol is one of the biggest barriers I come across as a personal trainer. It's become the ‘norm’ to consume alcohol as part of everyday life – even though it’s well known that alcohol has serious side effects such diminished performance, mental impairment, diabetes, liver disease – and, weight gain.” If you need some solid reasons for cutting down your poison intake, here’s the scientific break-down:
Metabolism
According to Pitfield, alcohol consumption has some serious effects on your metabolism. The presence of alcohol disrupts your body’s ability to maintain healthy levels of glucose, and that implies possible chances of diabetes.
Liver
Alcohol consumption has been linked to liver diseases, and there have been several studies to back this up. Pitfield explained that the liver’s ability to breakdown fat tends to deteriorate when you consume too much alcohol.
Stomach
“Drinking alcohol increases the production of acid in the stomach beyond normal levels, while also causing irritation and inflammation in the stomach lining," Pitfield said. Now you know where those weird stomach sensations come from.
Heart
There are several factors that put you at the risk of developing a heart condition. Alcohol is a prominent one, and you can curb its intake to keep heart strokes and cardiomyopathy (weakening of heart muscle) at bay.
So, how can you control alcohol intake for better weight loss results?
Hangover ready
Your body craves calories to make up for the loss of blood glucose. So you start hogging everything that has sugar or fat. So yes, stock up your shelves with something to avoid a home famine. Your kitchen fuel is one the most important things to focus on.
“What” to drink
Since you’ve already chugged down a lot of alcohol, recovery calls for healthier options. Go for tonics, or any other low-calorie drink. Keep your hands away from beer and cocktails.
Shot down
We all love tall glasses filled with drinks to the brim. But changing your glass can actually help you in cutting down on calories. Kym Lang, a nutritionist said, “It’s easy to forget that drinking regularly can easily lead to weight gain in the same way that second portions can. There are 380 calories in two large glasses of wine, for example – the equivalent to 7.5 mini sausage rolls. Instead of your usual large glass of Sauvignon Blanc, ask the bartender for a white wine spritzer with ice and soda. No one will notice, but you’ll be halving the calories straight away.”
H20, always
Water is a miracle drink for a reason. If there’s any ultimate savior to most of the health problems, it’s your humble H20. Pitfield said, “Make more of a conscious effort to stay hydrated before, during and after drinking as this will help to reduce the severity of any hangover and to swerve those cravings.”
Alcohol-free alternatives
Drinking alcohol-free alternative beverages is the hardest trick to pull off, especially if you know that there’s no alcohol in your glass. But your mind can also give you the same kick, if you’re up for it. Lang suggested, “Try a non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip. Mix it with sparkling elderflower and serve over ice with a cucumber garnish.”
