Nutrition Tip : Booze & Your Body
Have you ever wondered why you are not seeing changes in your body, even though you are eating better and are moving more? Are you feeling disheartened and disappointed and don’t understand why you are not seeing results?
One of the contributing factors may be your alcohol consumption. Below a few key points that will be explained when it comes to alcohol and weight gain.
How the body processes alcohol: The body burns energy in this order –
- > Alcohol / toxins
- > Carbohydrates
- > Fats
- > Proteins
Unlike food alcohol isn’t digested. It is goes straight into the stomach where it is absorbed approx. 20%, then into the lower intestines/ gut and then into the bloodstream. It doesn’t get processed or stored as fat, because the body wants to remove this toxin as soon as possible. Then it is the liver’s job to clean the blood. The body will not use any other fuels (carbohydrates and fats) as energy until alltraces of alcohol are gone. So everything you consume (foods, soft-drinks, additives to alcohol) while alcohol is in your system is not used as energy, it is stored as fat.
Alcohol is energy : Have you ever have the term “empty calories”? (calories is the term how to measure energy) Alcohol is prime example of high energy or high calories and nutrient deficient substance. It has absolutely no nutritional value, does not benefit to the body. One standard to drink = 10g of alcohol = 70 calories = 30 to 60 minutes into the bloodstream, depending on how much food is in your stomach. Allow one hour per standard drink to be processed and removed from the bloodstream by the liver. For example: a double shot whiskey and Coke = 280 cal = one small meal! Can you believe it that’s just one drink?!
Effects on the body: Alcohol damages the organs involved. If consuming at high risk levels, can leave to organ failure, stomach ulcers, inflammation and fat stored around these major organs. This damage can lead to the organs being unable to process and unable to absorb good nutrients from foods.
In most cases when intoxicated, excessive high fat, high sugar foods are craved. As mentioned earlier the weight gain comes from these foods and drink, as they are stored as fat while the body is trying to sober up. Also studies have shown that’s in moderation – red wine for example, can increase good cholesterol and help with cardiovascular disease. Consumed in low amounts can support a healthy lifestyle.
So take a moment. Think about your health goals. How is your body feeling? How was your mind feeling? Are you wasting your time exercising, if your nutrition isn’t supporting you?
Can you imagine how amazing your mind and body ago to feel after changing some unhealthy alcohol habits with positive actions?
Message us at hello@teammcleanfitness.com.au to learn more or help set some wellness goals. If you find this helpful please share with others to help them as well.