When you decide to start eating healthily and making changes to your diet, you may find yourself asking “how does alcohol affect weight loss?”. While it is widely touted that alcohol can be bad for your health, there are a host of benefits to some alcohols so cutting it out entirely may not be necessary. Let’s take a look at the positives and negatives of alcohol on weight loss and the best ways to stay on track with your goals when it may be a factor.
Does alcohol affect weight loss negatively?
The answer to this question isn’t exactly straightforward, as some alcohols are full of calories that will have an impact on your diet, whereas others are not. One of the biggest factors to consider is the fact that in many cases, it’s the things that you add to alcohol that make it as unhealthy as it is.
For example, if you have a small glass of vodka with a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprig of mint, you will be ingesting a liquid that can help to cleanse the body, boost skin and hair health and give you a dose of vitamin C. If you have the same amount with a mixer like coke or lemonade however, you will be consuming empty calories, unnecessary sugars and carbs – and often colours and flavourings.
The impact alcohol can have on weight loss can also be increased by your level of consumption each week. As with any food or drink, having too much can have negative connotations and won’t help your weight loss journey. If you choose the right beverages and limit the amount you have, you won’t generally affect your diet. Excessive drinking can also increase your appetite and lead to snacking or overeating, so drinking less can be a wise move.
Can alcohol affect weight loss positively?
While there isn’t any evidence to support alcohol as a weight loss aid, there are certainly going to be downsides to cutting alcohol out of your diet completely. The top concern is how the lifestyle change will impact your motivation. If you are used to drinking with friends and on social occasions, it may prove too difficult to maintain abstinence.
For example, taking a night off from your diet may lead you to take another and another, and before you know it, your diet will be long forgotten. There can also be societal pressure to drink – and you probably won’t want to have to explain yourself again and again. Making better choices can help you skip the awkwardness of not drinking and won’t impact your motivation or your diet overall.
What are the lowest-calorie alcohols?
- Dry wine: 84 to 90 calories per glass
- Vodka: 96 calories per glass
- Neat whiskey: 105 calories per glass
- Tequila: 97 calories per shot
- White rum: 96 calories per glass
Overall, the good news is that you can make wise choices when drinking alcohol that won’t impact your diet.
