Alcoholic drinks are considered to be empty calories, meaning they up your caloric intake but offer nothing nutritionally in return. Alcohol has about 7 calories per gram, so right in-between carbs at 4 and fats at 9 calories a gram. Alcohol consumption also loosens our inhibitions and you may find you eat more guilty pleasures while under the influence.
When we consume alcohol our bodies stop burning carbs, fats, and proteins and start focusing on the alcohol we have consumed. This may not seem like a big deal until you realize the excess calories we have eaten prior to alcohol consumption will now end up as adipose tissue, or fat essentially because we have postponed “the fat burning process”. Not to mention if you’re downing a whole bottle of wine every Saturday night (no judgment😉) that’s an extra 600-700 calories consumed a day.
But wait, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your weekend libations all together! Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your alcohol, in moderation of course, and not derail your progress.
If you know you will be having drinks later allot for the extra carbs in the alcohol in your daily caloric intake. Throughout the day consume fewer carbs and more lean protein and even fibrous veggies. This way you’ll be able to meet your macros/calories and still enjoy your drinks.
Stay away from typical mixers and use straight liquor like scotch, rye, vodka, and gin mixed seltzer or diet sodas. No, diet sodas won’t kill ya.
The sexier the name, the more calories. Stay away from drinks like Sex on the Beach, Pink panties, and buttery nipples. they have way more calories than you think.
Limit drinks to two per day for best results. I know, this one sucks but I've got to put it in here. 😒
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol-and-weight-loss
https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/5-ways-alcohol-hinders-fat-loss.html