With all the cocktail-drinking opportunities you will
quite likely be faced with over the holidays, you might ask yourself: “Self, is it true that drinking alcohol can impede weight loss?” (I know, you probably don’t talk to yourself like that…but I, sadly, do. Anyway!)
Caroline Cederquist, M.D., creator of bistroMD has some answers.
Q: Is it possible to lose weight while still drinking alcohol?
A: "It is! However, because of the effects alcohol has on your body, it may make it more difficult to lose weight if you don’t pair drinking alcohol with a healthy eating regimen. Because your body treats alcohol like a toxin, whenever you drink, your liver makes the breakdown of alcohol a priority and can’t focus on metabolizing fat as efficiently. This can substantially decrease the amount of weight a person is losing. That’s why I suggest limiting the amount of drinks you have per week and being conscious about what you’re drinking, as well."
Q: What should we do when we’re faced with tons of drinking options this holiday season?
A: "Just know to limit the amount you drink. Patients of mine who would never dream of eating cheesecake are shocked when I tell them that drinking two glasses of wine is the same as eating a small piece of that dessert! Your body doesn’t care if the calories are liquid or solid—they’re still calories." So, a few tips:
1: Sip smart! It’s the best advice for those who are going to drink. Use sparkling water (instead of soda or juice) as a mixer to avoid excess calories and sugar. Pellegrino with lime in between drinks looks like a drink, but it will allow you to pace yourself and slow down between alcoholic drinks.
2: Decide beforehand how many drinks you should have so you won’t regret it the next day—it’ll make it easier to say no to the extra drinks later. Remember, alcohol lowers inhibitions for even the most health-conscious drinker. A few drinks might lead to the bread basket or that extra dessert you wouldn’t otherwise indulge in.
3: Always have a little bit of what you love. If it’s the eggnog, then have a small cup! Health and wellness is a lifestyle change, not a limiting fast or extreme diet. If you don’t give into the small indulgences once in a while, it could intensify the cravings and end up poorly.
4: My best advice is to make sure you know what’s in your drink to avoid extra unwanted calories and try to keep the drinks as ‘healthy’ as possible in moderation.”
Q: At a party, how many drinks should you drink?
A: "For men, a maximum of 10 drinks per week is considered ‘moderate’ alcohol intake. Men who have three drinks each day, seven days a week, are doubling the recommended amount. For women, five glasses of wine (or the equivalent) per week is considered ‘moderate.’ Women’s livers are smaller than men’s, which makes it harder to detoxify higher alcohol levels. This is why women can get intoxicated more quickly if they have the same amount of alcohol as men.”
Do you watch your alcohol intake? What about during the party season?
