The Skinny on Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks are created by fermenting sugar and have no nutritional value. No wonder they’re a notorious source of empty calories. Those calories come in the form of sugar alcohols, which tend to cause those unwanted blood sugar spikes and, over time, lead to unwanted weight gain. So how does alcohol affect weight loss? Alcohol can cause weight gain in a couple of ways. First, alcohol is high in calories. Some mixed drinks can contain as many calories as a meal, but without the nutrients. Pay attention to what else goes in your drink. Many mixed drinks include juices, simple syrup, or liqueur, which add extra calories quickly. Look for lower calorie options, such as a splash of juice and soda water. You may want to skip mixed drinks completely and stick with beer or wine. Second, you may tend to make poor food choices when you drink. Third, alcohol slows your metabolism. The body treats alcohol as a priority, diverting resources and energy to metabolize it rather than other nutrients, including fats. This can cause a temporary decrease in fat burning. Health experts recommend that anyone who drinks should do so in moderation. This means no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. You may want to drink even less than that to lose weight. While you do not have to entirely cut out alcohol, you may need to consume it more mindfully. You should watch the number, and type, of drinks you choose. In summary, alcohol can negatively impact fat metabolism by prioritizing its own breakdown, leading to increased fat accumulation, increased appetite, and potential weight gain. Limiting alcohol consumption can help maintain a healthy metabolism and support overall well-being.