Do you need to give up alcohol to reach your health goals?

That is a question I am asked a lot.  There is no one answer.

Alcohol doesn’t really have any health benefits. Yes there is an argument for antioxidants in wine but you can get them from food groups too so don’t use that as an excuse.

If your goal is to lose weight then keep in mind that alcohol is high in calories. It is much healthier to use your calories for food. Lets say you needed 1800 calories a day in order to reach your goal weight. A pint of 5% beer contains approx. 222 calories. If you had 2 pints at 444 calories you are left with 1356 calories for the day. That’s not impossible but it is a lot harder to stick to than 1800. Keep in mind too that while the body is busy processing the alcohol it isn’t burning the fat. It can also increase the appetite and lowers inhibitions which is why that kebab looks like a good idea after a night out!  You are also less likely to hit the gym with a hangover. All that will have an effect on your weight loss goal.

If your goal isn’t to lose weight but to be healthy then I would still recommend limiting the alcohol to one or two units a week. The body doesn’t need it. We just like it. But if you want optimum health and fitness then keep it to a minimum.

So how many calories are in our favourite drinks?

175ml glass of 12% wine – 158

Pint of 5% beer – 222

275ml alcopop – 154

Double measure of 40% spirit – 100

Cocktails very but are generally high as they usually contain a lot of sugar.

Don’t forget to include any mixers when you are working it out too. A glass of non diet coke will add a lot to that spirit.

I am not saying never have another drink, but people often don’t realise the effect it has on their diet, body and health. So do try and keep it in mind if you are working on health and weight. Cut it out for a few months and see how you feel.