I love a good glass of wine. There is something about the smell and the taste that really makes me smile – that and the social connection that has previously went along with enjoying a nice bottle.
“Mom Fuel”
Here is the problem, recent circumstances and the changes that have occurred in our social paradigm have allowed me to justify an increase in libations. What was once a one or two time per week enjoyment with friends and family on the weekends (or occasional week night) has become a daily habit that formed out of either boredom or the need to “unwind” after being with the kids all day.
Not only is this habit expensive (average bottle of wine is $15.00 USD and a good one can be above $32.00 USD), but also has some adverse reactions that can really affect the waistline.
Let us break it down….
EMPTY CONTENT
The typical alcoholic drink contains about seven calories a gram - almost as many as pure fat! Calories from alcohol are ‘empty calories', meaning they have no nutritional value. Therefore, they do not benefit our bodies in any way.
Alcoholic drinks can vary greatly in the amounts of calories that they have, and many are often high in sugar content. A large glass of wine can contain the same number of calories as an ice cream sundae or a pint of beer can contain the same amount of calories as a slice of pizza
FUEL THE FIRE
We all need fuel to maintain our biological functions and power through various activities. The fuel comes in the form carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. However, when alcohol is consumed, it takes priority and is the first fuel source before your body uses before anything else. Hence, drinking alcohol reduces the amount of fat our bodies burn for energy. While we can store nutrients, protein, carbohydrates, and fat in our bodies, we cannot store alcohol, so our systems want to get rid of it, and this takes priority. All other processes are then interrupted including absorbing nutrients and burning fat.
When your body is using alcohol as a primary source of energy, the excess glucose and lipids end up as adipose tissue, or fat.
KNOW YOUR BODY
Your liver functions as a “filter” for any foreign substances that enter your body, such as drugs and alcohol. The liver also plays a role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Excess alcohol consumption can lead to what is known as alcoholic fatty liver. This condition can damage your liver, affecting the way your body metabolizes and stores carbohydrates and fats even more.
As for alcohol and hormones, drinking appears to increase the amount of estrogen in women's systems and may actually lower progesterone. These changes in the way your body stores energy from food can make it exceedingly difficult to lose weight
DIGEST THAT
Intake of alcoholic beverages can also inhibit proper digestive functioning by causing stress on the stomach and the intestines. This leads to a decrease in digestive secretions and slows the movement of food through the tract. Digestive secretions are an essential element of healthy digestion. They break down food into the basic macro- and micro-nutrients that are absorbed and used by the body. Alcohol intake of all levels can lead to impaired digestion and absorption of these nutrients. This can greatly affect the metabolism of organs that play a role in weight management.
BOTTOM LINE
Foods high in simple sugars, such as those found in candy, soda, and alcohol, are also high in calories. Extra calories end up stored as fat in the body. Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar can quickly lead to weight gain. Now I am not saying you should not enjoy your libations, in fact alcohol is small amounts have been shown to have some health benefits too. Just bear in mind that all those additional calories ends up somewhere in the body and often times that fat accumulation finds it way to the abdominal region. Bottom line: If you do not burn it, you will store it.
