Alcohol and a Healthy Lifestyle
There are mixed opinions in the wellness world about alcohol and it’s place in a healthy lifestyle. The bottom line is that this is YOUR journey, and you have to do what works for you and with your body. When my husband and I first started our wellness journey together, I gave up alcohol…..and he did not. We both lost weight and felt more fit, even though our timing and technique was unique to each of us. That being said, it is important to know and understand the impact that alcohol has on our weight loss efforts.
When alcohol is consumed, your body tries to eliminate the toxin by burning it off first, putting all other calorie and fat burning literally “on the back burner.” Ultimately, this causes your weight loss and progress to be put on pause until the alcohol is out of your system.
What exactly does that mean? If you are drinking alcohol with lots of sugars or carbs, those sugars and carbs are being stored as fat because your body is busy getting rid of the alcohol first.
Having a glass of wine with dinner? Same concept, but very likely we are talking about a ton more calories that your body is storing.
Is it worth it? It honestly depends on your weight loss and fitness goals and your timeline for achieving them.
For our weight loss clients, we highly suggest that they take an extended break from alcohol. That will look different for each client, but if you are serious about losing weight, and want to see the quickest results, reaching for an alternative NA beverage will behoove you.
That being said, if you do choose to continue to take libations, choose wisely and do so in moderation.
Here are some easy and delicious carb-free (or close to it) alcoholic beverages that you can still enjoy.
Cheers to you, whatever beverage you choose to have in hand!
Alcoholic Beverages on a Weight Loss Plan
Liquor
Liquor has zero carbs making it the best choice if you plan to imbibe. Pair any liquor, like Tito’s or Patron with a flavored La Croix or soda water and a fresh squeeze of lime for a refreshing and guilt free libation.
Wine
5 oz pour contains 3-4g carbs (with the exception of Reisling, which is 5.5g carbs
The issue with wine is not necessarily the amount of carbs in each glass. It’s the size of your glass and how many you drink. I don’t know about you, but I am a cabernet lover. I know myself, and 5 ounce pours do not do the trick and are not realistic. For my weight loss journey, I have found that avoiding wine works best for me, and if I do want to partake in a celebratory beverage, one small liquor drink is plenty.
Beer
While there are some low carb beer options out there, watch out for the high carb craft and dark beers. Domestic beers range from 1.6g carbs to 6.6 while pale ales and porters range from 15g to 30g.
Tips
•If you are going to partake in alcohol while trying to lose weight, do so in moderation and choose the lowest carb options
•For every alcoholic beverage you consume, drink a 20 ounce glass of water to prevent dehydration.
•Stick to soda water or sparkling water for mixers. Tonic water has 32g carbs per serving! Beware of hidden carbs in your mixers
•Avoid using fruit juice for mixers other than moderate fresh squeezed lime
•When ordering beverages at restaurants, avoid ordering specialty drinks that can be high in sugar
Alcohol and Semaglutide/Tirzepatide
•If you are taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for weight loss, chances are you will not feel very much like drinking, even if it is an ingrained daily habit.
•Because Semaglutide/Tirzepatide delays gastric emptying, alcohol will sit on your belly, and tends to cause significant heartburn and discomfort. Red wine is an especially brutal irritant for most of our patients, and after their first attempt at consuming a glass while on the medication, the quickly realize it is not as appealing as it once was.
• Did you know that Semaglutide is being studied for treatment of addiction? It has been found that Semaglutide prevents your brain from releasing Dopamine in response to food and alcohol, which takes away the feeling of food and alcohol being a “reward” of sorts.
• Our patients have reported that while taking Semaglutide/Tirzepatide that they feel more satiated and content, and that they do not constantly feel like they are thinking about what, when, or how much they will eat or drink.
Calorie Conscious Cocktails
Skinny Maria
Contains about 6g carbs
While a little higher on the carb side, this Skinny Maria recipe is delicious and is a “diet-friendly” option for treat at brunch or lazy weekend with friends.
•1.5 ounces Tequila (Patron and Don Julio Reposed are my favorites) (or substitute Titos Vodka for a “Skinny Mary”
•4 ounces V-8 Juice
•1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
•1 tsp prepared horseradish (or to taste)
•1 tsp celery salt
•Fresh cracked pepper
•Tabasco to taste
•1 stalk celery
•1 piece of crisp bacon
Pour all ingredients over ice, stir, and garnish with celery
Skinny Margarita
Contains about 2g carbs
•1.5 Ounces Tequila (Patron and Don Julio Reposado are my favorites)
•2 ounces Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar Limeade (or to taste)
•2 drops liquid stevia
•1 tbls Fresh squeezed lime juice
•2 slices jalapeño (optional)
Shake with ice and serve in a salt rimmed glass with a lime wheel for garnish
I realize that the Bragg’s sounds questionable, but it truly is one of the best margaritas I’ve ever had!