Alcohol and weight loss are enemies, but an occasional drink can have a
place in a healthy lifestyle. In fact, many experts note the health
benefits of consuming a single drink per day, including a reduced risk
for high blood pressure. If, however, you are exceeding one drink daily,
you might be sabotaging your weight loss plans.
Alcohol is
metabolized differently than other foods and beverages. Under normal
conditions, your body gets its energy from the calories in
carbohydrates, fats and proteins that need to be slowly digested in the
stomach-but not when alcohol is present. When alcohol is consumed, it
gets special privileges and needs no digestion. The alcohol molecules
diffuse through the stomach wall as soon as they arrive and can reach
the brain and liver in minutes. This reaction is slightly slowed when
there is also food in your system, but as soon as the mixed contents
enter the small intestine, the alcohol grabs first place and is absorbed
quickly. The alcohol then arrives at the liver for processing. The
liver places all of its attention on the alcohol. Therefore, the
carbohydrates (glucose) and dietary fats are just changed into body fat,
waiting to be carried away for permanent fat storage in the body.
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it causes water loss and
dehydration. Along with this water loss you lose important minerals,
such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc. These minerals are vital
to the maintenance of fluid balance, chemical reactions, and muscle
contraction and relaxation.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram and offers NO nutritional value.
It only adds empty calories to your diet. Why not spend your calorie
budget on something healthier?
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