Can You Drink Alcohol and Still Lose Weight?
Yes, I know, the dreaded alcohol and weight loss topic people tend to avoid or “dance around,” at best.
Let me start by saying I’m not trying to guilt you or suggest you give up alcohol altogether. The truth is, many of us (myself included) enjoy the occasional drink with family and friends and consider it part of the “fabric” of our life. However, my firm belief is that alcohol, like many things in life, adheres to the principle I follow for most aspects of my life: “the devil is in the dose.”
For the reasons you’re about to read below, I’m sorry to say that it, without a doubt, makes weight loss harder. However, each person has to find a balance that works for them and is sustainable for their lifestyle. Remember, if you’re consistently doing everything else correct and cannot reach your goals, your alcohol consumption may need examining.
Here are 10 reasons alcohol might make weight loss more difficult.
ONE
High-calorie content: Alcohol is calorie-dense, with each gram providing 7 calories, almost as much as fat and more than carbohydrates and protein. This means that drinking alcohol can easily contribute to a significant increase in calorie intake.
TWO
Slows metabolism: Alcohol can reduce the rate at which your body burns calories, as it is metabolized before other macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fat. This can slow down your metabolism and reduce the number of calories your body burns.
THREE
Reduces fat burning: Alcohol can inhibit the breakdown and utilization of fat in your body. This means that even if you eat a low-calorie diet, alcohol in your system can make it harder to lose weight.
FOUR
Disrupts digestion: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health and weight loss.
FIVE
Increases appetite: Alcohol can stimulate your appetite and make you more likely to consume excess calories. This is partly because alcohol can reduce inhibitions and increase impulsivity, leading to overeating and poor food choices.
SIX
Triggers inflammation: Excessive alcohol consumption can trigger inflammation in your body, interfering with weight loss. Inflammation can disrupt the hormones and metabolic pathways that regulate fat storage and metabolism.
SEVEN
Interferes with sleep: Drinking alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and quantity. This can cause hormonal imbalances that can impact your weight loss efforts.
EIGHT
Increases stress: Alcohol can increase cortisol levels in your body, a stress hormone linked to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. High cortisol levels can interfere with insulin sensitivity, leading to metabolic dysfunction and weight gain.
NINE
Dehydrates the body: Alcohol is a diuretic, which can cause dehydration. Dehydration can impact your energy levels and metabolic function, making it harder for you to lose weight.
TEN
Affects food choices: Drinking alcohol can impair your judgment and decision-making skills, leading to poor food choices that can interfere with your weight loss goals. Additionally, alcohol can make you crave high-fat and high-sugar foods, leading to overeating and weight gain.