From A Nutritionists Point-Of-View
Certified Nutritionist: Jennifer Mauldin
Without fail, every client has asked me the question "Can I have alcohol?"
When it comes to weight loss, it's essential to consider not only what you eat but also what you drink. Many people overlook the fact that alcohol contains calories, which can sabotage their weight loss efforts. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol while on a weight-loss journey.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes dehydration. Dehydration can slow down your metabolism, making it harder for your body to burn calories. Additionally, alcohol increases your appetite, leading you to consume more calories than you would have otherwise. This is one of the ways alcohol can lead to weight gain.
It's worth noting that since you are taking the time and effort to look and feel your best, continued consumption of alcohol could cause potentially irreversible skin damage. Alcohol causes the dehydration necessary to cause wrinkles. When the skin is dry and dehydrated, it will wrinkle and crease much easier than fully hydrated skin. Additionally, alcohol consumption has been associated with declines in hepatic levels of retinol (vitamin A), as well as retinyl ester and retinoic acid; collectively referred to as retinoids. Vitamin A depletion can reduce levels of collagen, which can result in premature wrinkles as well as a loss of elasticity and fullness in the face.
Moreover, alcohol is metabolized differently than other nutrients. When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it over anything else, including fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This can cause a decrease in the amount of fat your body burns, leading to weight gain.
Furthermore, alcoholic drinks are often high in calories and sugar. For example, a 12-ounce beer contains around 150 calories, and a standard glass of wine contains around 125 calories. Cocktails can be even higher, with some containing up to 500 calories. Consuming these high-calorie drinks regularly can quickly add up, causing extra pounds to stick.
Apart from the caloric implications, drinking alcohol while dieting can also have other nutritional consequences. Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, folate, and zinc. This can lead to deficiencies and negatively affect your health.
Another significant factor to consider is that alcohol can lower your inhibitions, making it more challenging to stick to your meal plan. It's easy to succumb to cravings when you've had a few drinks. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with your sleep patterns, causing fatigue and making it harder to stick to your diet and exercise routine.
Lastly, it's important to remember that alcohol can be addictive. Drinking alcohol can lead to dependency, which can have significant health consequences. Therefore, it's best to avoid alcohol altogether, especially if you're on a journey to improve your health by losing weight.
In conclusion, drinking alcohol while on a weight-loss journey is not advisable. Alcohol contains calories, interferes with fat metabolism, and can lead to weight gain. Additionally, it can affect nutrient absorption, lower inhibitions, and interfere with sleep patterns. Therefore, if you're serious about weight loss, it's best to avoid alcohol altogether. Instead, opt for non-alcoholic, low-caloric drinks like tonic water, diet cola, or a "Skinny Syrup" mocktail. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to weight loss, and avoiding alcohol can help you achieve your goals faster.
Newgen Nutrition Disclaimer
Information found on Newgen Nutrition (newgen-nutrition.com) represents the experiences and professional opinions of the author and/or staff nutritionist. The opinions may not apply to the average person, and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results, or conclude the same findings. You should always perform your own due diligence.