Welcome to the party of life, where the dance floor is filled with choices. One popular partner in this dance is alcohol. But, before you grab that cocktail, let's take a closer look at the effects of alcohol on your health, especially when you're on a health/fitness journey.
Spoiler alert: it's not about shaming, but about making informed decisions that align with your fitness goals.
The Tipsy Truth about Calories:
Picture this: You're on a macro-counting mission, and suddenly, alcohol sneaks onto the scene. While we're not here to put a damper on your spirits, it's essential to note that alcoholic beverages can be quite the hidden calorie culprit. They're like the party crasher of your fitness goals, bringing extra calories without even RSVPing. This becomes even more tricky when nutrition labels don’t include the macros of the beverage. The reasoning behind this is that alcohol is not technically a macronutrient so those beverage companies can get away with not including the macros.
However, if you are tracking macros you need to make sure you’re accounting for them in your drink. Typically food tracking apps will track the calories in an alcoholic beverage, but not the macros, making it seem like you have macros left for the day but no more calories. It can be really confusing if you’re not aware of what is happening. Here’s an example of how you can track the macros in your drink. You can divide the total calories by 9 to track the macros as fats only. Or you can divide by 4 to track as carbs only. Or split between the two!
Metabolism Mix-Up:
Alcohol has a unique way of hijacking your metabolism. When you drink, your body prioritizes breaking down alcohol over burning fat. It's like your metabolism hits pause on your fitness goals and shifts focus to handling the alcohol VIP in your system. So, while your body is working overtime on that margarita, those fat-burning goals are stuck waiting at the bar. This doesn’t mean that fatloss can’t happen while drinking alcohol, but it will make it more difficult.
The Hydration Hangover:
Ever noticed how a night of drinking leaves you feeling as parched as a desert? Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you pee more, leading to dehydration. Now, imagine trying to crush your workout the next day with your body thirstier than a marathon runner in the Sahara. Not the ideal scenario for your fitness journey, right?
The Sleepy Shuffle:
Quality sleep is a fitness enthusiast's best friend. Unfortunately, alcohol can do some damage in the sleep department. While it might help you doze off faster, it tends to disrupt your sleep cycle, leaving you feeling groggy and exhausted the next day. A well-rested body is a powerful ally on your fitness journey!
Decision-Making Disco:
As the night goes on, the decision-making dance floor gets a bit hazier. We've all been there – suddenly, that greasy late-night pizza seems like a brilliant idea. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, making those post-drinking food choices less likely to align with your fitness goals. It's not about avoiding the fun, but about being mindful of your choices.
So, there you have it – the tipsy truth about how alcohol can affect your fitness journey. It's not about waving goodbye to your favorite cocktails, but rather finding a balance that lets you enjoy the dance while keeping your fitness goals in mind. So, sip or skip? The decision is yours and it's all about making choices that help you reach your goals and align with your life. Cheers to a healthier, happier you!
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