A simple glass of alcohol can have detrimental affects on your weight loss program.  It will reduce your inhibitions, add unnecessary calories, decrease your water level, and reduce your quality of sleep.  Each of these areas can affect the success of your weight loss program.

Unnecessary Calorie Intake

While working to achieve your weight loss goal you are no doubt counting your calories very carefully.  However, any alcoholic beverage will add unnecessary and unproductive calories.  Alcohol is digested differently than other foods.  It takes first priority in the digestive process because it is viewed by the body as a toxin.  When the body’s primary focus is to process the alcohol, it will not properly break down other foods.  These other calories are then converted into body fat.

Alcohol also offers no nutritional value.  Since alcohol has seven calories per gram and no vitamins or minerals these are empty calories that give you no benefit.  Therefor, it negates your weight loss program.

Reduced Inhibitions/ Increased Cravings

Everyone knows that alcohol lowers your inhibitions, and that the more alcohol you drink the lower your inhibition levels become.  However, it is important here to consider that even a small glass of alcohol does alter your inhibitions and stimulates your appetite and cravings.  With altered inhibitions  and reduced willpower you are more likely to indulge in greasy and/or fried foods that diverge away from your weight loss goals.

Dehydration

Adequate water supply is a necessary tool to any weight loss program.  Alcohol, however, is a diuretic and as such it will cause water loss and dehydration.

Reduced Quality of Sleep 

While drinking may help to initially induce sleep it limits your ability to achieve a deep sleep.  Without achieving a deep sleep you will feel less rested.  This can trigger you to eat more calories the next day.  Additionally, the amount of acid produced by your stomach is increased with the intake of alcohol.  This additional acid can cause the stomach lining to become inflamed and give you a bloated feeling.

All of these issues contribute to the idea that alcohol and weight loss are enemies.  In order to avoid unnecessary calories, reduced inhibitions, increased cravings, dehydration, and a reduced quality of sleep you should avoid alcohol.  Avoid sabotaging your weight loss program by avoiding the temptation.

To schedule your free consultation please click below or call Becky Wilborn at (212) 759-8118