Alcohol and weight loss

Happy hour drinks may sound like a great idea, but for someone trying to lose weight, alcohol can have devastating effects. Those extra calories add up, and lowered inhibitions can lead to poor food choices.

Calories and Health

One of the biggest reasons that alcohol gets in the way of dieters is that it has a lot of empty calories. Many spirits and wines are also combined with sugary mixtures, sodas and other mixers that add even more calories to the alcoholic drink--a Long Island ice tea or pina colada can have 300 to 400 calories or more in a single serving. Alcohol has no nutritional value, and some beverages, such as beer, are also loaded with carbohydrates.

Alcohol is also metabolized differently from other substances, and it affects the way your body handles carbohydrates and fat. When alcohol is present, your body starts to process it right away instead of focusing on the things it would normally work to break down, like sugars and dietary fat. Those get converted into body fat instead.

Excessive alcohol use can cause problems for the liver and have a dehydrating effect, making it difficult for yourbody to rest. A body that operates normally and efficiently is important for healthy weight loss.

Dietary Choices

In addition to the calories and negative effects alcohol can have on the body, it can also affect the way you eat. It may stimulate the appetite, causing you to eat more than you would without the effects of alcohol. Alcohol also tends to lower a person's inhibitions, so after a drink you might not choose the foods you normally would while trying to lose weight, and you may also eat an increased amount of food instead of practicing moderation and portion control.

You can enjoy an occasional drink or night out, but if you are dieting, limit the frequency of your drinking, and make smarter choices such as choosing lighter beers, mixing alcohol with low-calorie beverages and avoiding drinks that are especially high in calories. It is also a good idea to eat before you start drinking, so you choose healthier foods, can more easily moderate your eating and will not be drinking on an empty stomach. If you have underlying health conditions, or questions about whether alcohol consumption is okay for you, talk with your doctor to be safe.