There is a lot fact vs. fiction when it comes to the truth about
alcohol and weight loss. This can also be a sore spot for people that
like to drink and are also looking to lose weight. Even alcoholic
beverages marketed as "low calorie" or "low carb" are still best avoided
if you are serious about losing weight and achieving a healthy
lifestyle. That being said, it's not impossible to live healthy and
still consume alcoholic beverages within reasonable limits.
Will alcohol make me fat?
The idea that alcohol converts to fat is a myth. Unlike essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates and fat, when alcohol is consumed it gets special privileges and needs no digestion. The truth is that alcohol gets converted into a substance known as acetate once it is consumed. When acetate levels rises, your body begins to burn more acetate and therefore uses less energy to burn off excess fat. The result is a slower and less efficient metabolism.
It's important to understand that all alcoholic beverage sources (beer, wine and liquor) have a high glycemic index. That is to say that it raises our blood sugar levels quickly and therefore causes a rapid release in insulin levels. This can lead to a stimulated appetite for foods from unfavorable choices such as high-fat fried food and starchy carbohydrates. It also impairs judgment and loosens inhibitions which can lead to overeating.
The bottom line is that the alcohol on its own will not make you fat, but the empty calories and unfavorable food choices you include with your alcoholic beverages will provide significant obstacles to achieving lasting weight loss results.
Can I consume alcohol and still lose weight?
You need to overcome bad eating (and drinking) habits when beginning any healthy lifestyle change, but once you are no longer compelled by the carbohydrate and sugar addictions that kept you overweight, you can reintroduce alcohol consumption without negative consequences assuming you stay within certain guidelines.
Moderation
Some studies show that modest consumption of alcohol is associated with better health and longevity than abstaining from it altogether. A daily glass of red wine has numerous health benefits, but on the other hand, drinking five glasses on Friday night negates these benefits even if you've managed to abstain from Monday to Thursday. Remember that moderation is the key.
Avoid the Sugar
There are definitely a lot more unfavourable alcoholic drinks than there are favourable ones, but you can still enjoy a cocktail that does not overload your body with excess sugar and carbs. If you like beer, stick with a "light" brand such as Bud Light or Michelob Ultra. Vodka is one of the only liquors that does not contain carbohydrates. If you choose a mix such a club soda or water with a splash of lime you are saving yourself from the insulin surge that would result from consuming it with juice or flavoured sodas. A final recommend is dry champagne. One 4 ounce glass is only 95 calories and has less than 2 grams of carbohydrates.
So What's the Bottom Line?
While the odd drink now and again isn't going to hurt, the bottom line is that alcohol and a leaner, stronger body just doesn't mix...only you can decide what's most important to you!
Will alcohol make me fat?
The idea that alcohol converts to fat is a myth. Unlike essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates and fat, when alcohol is consumed it gets special privileges and needs no digestion. The truth is that alcohol gets converted into a substance known as acetate once it is consumed. When acetate levels rises, your body begins to burn more acetate and therefore uses less energy to burn off excess fat. The result is a slower and less efficient metabolism.
It's important to understand that all alcoholic beverage sources (beer, wine and liquor) have a high glycemic index. That is to say that it raises our blood sugar levels quickly and therefore causes a rapid release in insulin levels. This can lead to a stimulated appetite for foods from unfavorable choices such as high-fat fried food and starchy carbohydrates. It also impairs judgment and loosens inhibitions which can lead to overeating.
The bottom line is that the alcohol on its own will not make you fat, but the empty calories and unfavorable food choices you include with your alcoholic beverages will provide significant obstacles to achieving lasting weight loss results.
Can I consume alcohol and still lose weight?
You need to overcome bad eating (and drinking) habits when beginning any healthy lifestyle change, but once you are no longer compelled by the carbohydrate and sugar addictions that kept you overweight, you can reintroduce alcohol consumption without negative consequences assuming you stay within certain guidelines.
Moderation
Some studies show that modest consumption of alcohol is associated with better health and longevity than abstaining from it altogether. A daily glass of red wine has numerous health benefits, but on the other hand, drinking five glasses on Friday night negates these benefits even if you've managed to abstain from Monday to Thursday. Remember that moderation is the key.
Avoid the Sugar
There are definitely a lot more unfavourable alcoholic drinks than there are favourable ones, but you can still enjoy a cocktail that does not overload your body with excess sugar and carbs. If you like beer, stick with a "light" brand such as Bud Light or Michelob Ultra. Vodka is one of the only liquors that does not contain carbohydrates. If you choose a mix such a club soda or water with a splash of lime you are saving yourself from the insulin surge that would result from consuming it with juice or flavoured sodas. A final recommend is dry champagne. One 4 ounce glass is only 95 calories and has less than 2 grams of carbohydrates.
So What's the Bottom Line?
While the odd drink now and again isn't going to hurt, the bottom line is that alcohol and a leaner, stronger body just doesn't mix...only you can decide what's most important to you!
For more information on how to achieve lasting weight loss, you
can request a free copy of my quick start program "Lose 10lbs in 14
Days" diet plan at http://thelastingweightlosssystem.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naomi_Kinaschuk
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