I get asked often if it is still okay to drink while trying to achieve a fitness goal. It's a tough question. Many factors are involved. Some people can drink moderate amounts and still obtain their goals. For others it really hurts their progress.
Personally I absolutely love wine and (good) beer. However, when I was on my weight loss program I didn't touch a drop of either. Alcohol makes me feel fat and apparently, its not just a feeling as you will read below.
It seems every week a new study is released stating that moderate amounts of alcohol, particularly red wine is good for your health. Maybe so, but don't let the studies (which change like the wind!) justify a glass every night. Especially if you trying to shed a few pounds.
Alcohol has 7.1 calories per gram. It's almost as much per gram as fat.
5oz of Merlot red wine is 123 calories. This is okay once a week. Have two if you like. Unfortunately drinking a glass of wine every night will slow down your fitness goals for the following reasons:
-Over the course of a month you will have accumulated over 3800 calories. This is more than a whole pound worth of unnecessary calorie consumption. Drinking a pound worth is alcoholic fluid is not good for any goal. Remember, alcohol is a toxin!
-Just TRY to drink and not eat too! Drinking makes you hungry. This results in eating more than you normally would, in addition to the empty calories already consumed.
-Alcohol spikes insulin levels, causing your body to hold on to fat.
-Studies show there is a definite relationship between alcohol consumption, waist circumference and the waist to hip ratio. Beer belly anyone?
-Alcohol messes with hormonal balances. It makes it harder to put on muscle and makes storing fat easier.
Studies claim that alcohol in moderation can be good for your health (lowers risk of heart disease, improves circulation) but the health benefits they claim to bring about can also be achieved by eating properly and exercising.
My bottom line is that if you have a couple of drinks once in a while, then it's not that big of a deal. If you are drinking everyday then your fitness goals might not be reached nearly as quickly as you hoped.
Have a grape instead!
Kaleena Lawless
Personal Training Specialist
http://www.kalisthenixfitnessblog.com
Cheap Leapster Games
Leapster Didj
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment