Cutting out alcohol may help you shed pounds and improve your health
New York: It’s that time of year when many of us are trying to stick to our weight loss goals. Courtney Smith, a dietitian and diabetes expert, suggests that ditching alcohol could be a game changer.
She points out that most people give up on their health resolutions after about seven weeks. But cutting out booze can really help with weight loss. Not only do you skip the calories from drinks, but you also avoid late-night snacking that often comes with drinking.
Smith explains that alcohol is surprisingly high in calories—seven per gram—almost as much as fat. Unlike protein and carbs, which provide nutrition, alcohol offers none. So, it’s a sneaky way to pack on the pounds.
Plus, when people drink, they often end up making poor food choices. You might find yourself ordering fries instead of a salad when you’re sipping on a margarita. And the next day, you might crave greasy food to recover from a hangover.
Drinking can also mess with your workout routine. After a night out, you might skip the gym or not perform as well if you do go. Smith encourages folks to try a month without alcohol, like Dry January, and see how it feels.
There’s evidence that cutting back on drinking can lead to better sleep and more energy. A study showed that many people felt lighter and healthier after a month off alcohol. It’s a great way to reset and think about how to take care of yourself.
While Dry January is a good start, Smith believes it’s important to consider making a long-term change in your drinking habits for better health.
