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Does-Alcohol-Make-You-Fat

Does Alcohol make you fat?

This subject has been very controversial because scientifically speaking, alcohol is not stored as fat, it is oxidized ahead of other macro nutrients (carbs, proteins and fats).
Now before rushing to your fridge and grabbing your bottle of vodka or beer, you will have to read the below.

 

How can Alcohol make you fat?

Alcohol is considered as empty calories because it doesn’t provide any nutritional substances to your body. It messes with your hormones and can stimulate appetite, leading to even more calories consumed. That’s where the fat gain comes from.

Considering you are following an 1800 calorie diet per day for a fat loss program. Would you consider spending 600 of these calories for few alcoholic drinks, and leave only the two-thirds for the healthy foods? I know that many of you will answer “yes”, so continue reading…

 

What are the side effects?

Most of the alcohol you drink is converted by your liver into something called acetate and this acetate is used as your body’s primary source of fuel and energy. It replaces fat consumption.
It is estimated that alcohol slows down your metabolism up to 36%. One study showed that fat metabolism dropped by 73% for several hours after two drinks.

More alcohol means less muscle. Less muscle means less fat burning.
First, you need to be well-hydrated to build muscle. Alcohol dehydrates you.
Even more significantly, drinking raises the levels of the muscle-wasting hormone Cortisol and increases the breakdown of testosterone for up to 24 hours. This is even worse when you drink after exercising.

 

Tips for Drinking Healthy & Safely:

  1. On the days you wanna drink, eat as clean as you possibly can – no junk, no fried food and no excess sugar.
  2. Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. I try to drink at least one glass of water before every glass of alcohol
  3. Don’t drink daily! Moderate drinking has been associated with cardiovascular health benefits.
  4. Stay away from fruity juices or added sugars. Have vodka with diet soda or lime instead of cranberry/orange juice or energy drinks.
  5. Try waiting an hour after you get to an event before drinking.
  6. Eat a healthy and filling meal before heading out for a night on the town.
  7. If you come home and you feel very hungry, drink two mugs full of water, then have a healthy snack.
  8. Enjoy without guilt. If you choose to drink (moderately and sensibly), then don’t feel guilty about it, just enjoy the moment.

 

Talk Soon,
Coach Fares.

 

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Author: Fares

Fares Saad is the Chief Fitness Officer of Healthy Lifestyle in Antelias. Fares is a certified personal trainer who holds multiple specialty certifications including Sports Medicine Specialist, Technical Aspect of Weight Training, Lifestyle Fitness Coaching and Certified Sports Nutritionist. Recognized for his expertise, dedication and ethics as well as for his personal charisma, Fares continues to positively change lives with his specialized understanding of fitness and nutrition and how they apply to overall health and well-being.

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