Alcohol
Alcohol is embedded in parts of the typical kiwi-culture where having a couple of drinks each night or binging every second weekend is normal. Alcohol can be enjoyed responsibly and be part of a well-balanced lifestyle, but there is some give-or-take when it comes to managing alcohol around your health and fitness goals.
When drinking alcohol, we need to be mindful that this will still contain additional calories that will add to our daily total. Alcohol itself contains 7 calories per gram so can easily add up when being drunk by itself (vodka, gin, Bacardi, etc.) or when mixed with a carbohydrate (beer/wine/RTDs) or consumed with another beverage (red bull, cocktails, soda, etc.).
Often when drinking, it’s not only the calories from alcohol we need to be aware of but also how this impacts our food choices and exercise habits for the following day or so. Surely, we have all been there before, but what typically follows a day/night of drinking, is poor food choices and slumping on the couch or in bed.
I’m not here to tell you to stop drinking, simply, reminding you that drinking can impact your progress in one way or another - it differs across the board. Although, there are ways you can reduce the impact…
Choose the events that are worth the drink - and don’t say they all are, because if you do, then your nutrition may not be the priority here. You do not have to drink at all four occasions you have coming up in Feb, pick one or two of them and commit to sticking to sugar-free soda on the others. This is a great way to explore your balance between your goals and enjoying a few bevys.
If you felt attacked by the tip above, maybe look at alcohol-free days e.g., no alcohol on weekdays. Small steps can go a long way if you continue to practice balanced habits that have a long-term positive impact.
Explore lower-calorie and/or lower-sugar options…
> Clear spirits mixed with soda water
> Low-carb beer or wine
> 0% alcohol options
> Sezlters or vodka soda RTD options
Explore a routine after your night out; prepare a yummy meal to heat and eat when you get home, shower before you sleep and keep your drink bottle handy.
Starting the day with a walk and fresh air will help keep NEAT high, which is a great way to maintain a high metabolic rate. It will also help you ease back into your normal routine.
At the end of the day, it’s about what you value at a given time and how much you value the impact your given choice has on both the short and long-term.