It’s that time of year, when friends and family gather and alcohol is involved. It’s hard to say “no” when that is one of the reasons everyone is gathering in the first place. But, when you’re trying to lose weight, alcohol becomes your number one enemy. Alcohol is what we call “empty calories”. Meaning, it has no nutritional value and can be very high in calories. Not only that, the body sees it as a toxin, and will do whatever it takes to get rid of it as soon as possible. Your liver works overtime to process the waste as it absorbs in the bloodstream. Sometimes, the balance is tilted and more alcohol enters the body faster than the liver can process it, and that’s when we run into trouble. Essentially, it stops all other metabolic processes and digestion of other foods that we may have eaten earlier, and stores it. This leads to bloating, weight gain, poor decision making, visual imparities, slurring, etc.
The abundance of calories in the drinks is what directly affects your weight loss. When your body is too busy processing the alcohol, it leaves the carbohydrates and fats to stay stored in your body converting to permanent body fat.
Here are examples of typical drinks that are served at parties and the amount of calories they consist of:
20- ounce beer- 250 calories
One glass of Red or White wine- 120 calories
Margarita- 270 calories
1.5 ounce shot of scotch- 112 calories
1 ounce shot of vodka- 100 calories
Cosmopolitan - 230 calories
So what should I drink? If, I have to!!
Well, if you want to indulge in a drink (or two...), according to the above chart, wine or vodka with a club soda and lime is your best bet.
Happy Holidays! and Happy New Year!
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