Having a glass of wine in the evening to relax after a long day or catching up with friends over a beer is so normal to most of us. But when you’re looking to get fit and lose weight, alcohol can actually hinder your progress.
How?
Alcoholic drinks are higher in calories than most people realise, containing seven calories per gram.
This means that a pint of beer can have as many calories as a large slice of pizza and a large glass of white wine could be the same as an ice cream and cone, so the calories in those few drinks can quickly add up.
What’s more, calories in alcohol are considered ‘empty’ calories, as they don’t provide any nutrients. These boozy calories are also linked to the takeaway food that is tempting after a night out and the fatty treats that you can justify when you’re suffering after a night of drinking.
The key to losing weight is to burn more calories than you consume, and reducing the amount you drink can help you lower your calorie intake. Drinking less makes it easier to stick to your healthier meal choices, which in time will have a positive impact on your waistline.
So why not do something about it?
Why not consider cutting out booze for October? Macmillan runs Go Sober for October, so you can cut out the empty calories while knowing you’re doing it for a bigger cause.
If this is too much of a stretch, then consider alternating your drinks – having one boozy drink, followed by a glass of water or lower calorie soft drink can save you those empty calories.
It’s not just the calories you’ll cut out that could help you get in shape – cutting back on alcohol will mean you’ll get a better night’s sleep so you’ll feel refreshed and perhaps have a little more motivation to go for that morning run or swim.
You’ll also feel fresher and more hydrated if you’re drinking less as alcohol is a diuretic, which means it dehydrates your body. Hopefully this will max your motivation and help you to reach your fitness goals too.
Inspired to get moving and want to register to get started?