If you are trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight, alcohol may be the secret enemy lurking in the shadows. Alcohol not only adds extra calories, but also changes your normal digestive process. When the body is processing alcohol it is not able to properly break down foods containing carbohydrates or fat, it converts these calories straight to fat storage!
If you are watching your weight, here are a few tips to help you make smarter choices about drinking alcohol:
- Don't skip a meal to save calories for drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach enhances the negative effects of alcohol. Instead, balance your calories by adding an extra 30 minutes of exercise to your routine.
- Eat a healthy meal before you have a drink. Alcohol stimulates your appetite and lowers your inhibitions and willpower, leaving you more likely to overeat.
- Beware of added calories in mixed drinks. Hard liquor contains approximately 100 calories per shot. Additionally, a mixer such as juice or soda will have as much or more.
- Sip on a glass of water with an alcoholic beverage to avoid overdrinking. This also helps to fight the dehydrating effect of alcohol. Alcohol is high on calories, and has no nutritional value.