Does alcohol affect your healthy living plan is one of the biggest questions we get from clients.
Someone recently asked me if she could keep drinking wine if she starts working out regularly. I often get questions about alcohol use and whether it can be a part of a healthy living plan. And it’s a tricky subject because there’s no one answer for all people.
And lots of us like to unwind with a glass of wine, meet friends for cocktails, or have a beer while watching a game. Great game last night huh?
First off, to state the obvious, some folks should not drink at all – from problem drinkers to pregnant women and other people on certain types of medication. And, as the Mayo Clinic points out, “The latest dietary guidelines make it clear that no one should begin drinking alcohol or drink more often on the basis of potential health benefits.”
Still, light to moderate drinkers who are healthy can probably continue safely. And there might be some potential health benefits to moderate alcohol use.
As the Harvard School of Public Health puts it, “It’s safe to say that alcohol is both a tonic and a poison. The difference lies mostly in the dose. Moderate drinking seems to be good for the heart and circulatory system, and probably protects against type 2 diabetes and gallstones.”
There’s even some evidence suggesting that moderate drinkers are more likely to exercise than people who don’t drink at all – but the more you exercise, the more likely you are to drink sometimes.
“Moderate drinking” means up to one drink a day for women and two for men. “One drink” equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
But even moderate drinking has some medical risks. And heavy drinking, even on weekend binges, causes tons of serious health problems, like high blood pressure, heart muscle damage, certain cancers, liver disease, and brain damage. If you think you might have a problem, consult your doctor, a counselor, or a 12-step group.
So, back to my client who asked if she could still have a glass of wine. The answer is yes, enjoy a glass of wine in moderation if it’s already something you do. We teach our clients how to still get great results without giving up their favorite foods as know complete restriction of certain foods doesn’t work a long time
Probably not a bottle a night, right?
It’s a balance for most people and can be part of a healthy lifestyle. So again does Alcohol Be Part of Healthy Living?
But for everyone, these are the elements of a healthy-living plan that are proven to be super-beneficial with no potential risk. Eat accordingly to your goal and find a program that works for you. Exercise regularly. Get enough sleep. Manage stress.
We’re here to help with all of that and more, so let me know if I can be of service. Just reply to set up a free workout and nutrition strategy session. Some more information https://www.medicinenet.com/can_i_drink_alcohol_on_a_diet/ask.htm
To Your Succes,
Coach Genesis
P.S. We are launching our next F.A.T. Method program soon where you can drop 10-20 pounds in 8 weeks without counting calories and still enjoying the foods you love. Reply to get on a call for details.
