This time of year...
December is always an interesting time of the year. Last year may have been a little different. However, typically in this time leading up to the holidays, we are invited to and attend quite a few holiday parties and get-togethers. Those holiday parties often bring quite a few challenging decisions.
For many of us, these parties will often include consuming some alcohol. Whether your choice is beer, wine, or a cocktail, you should know the impact that alcohol has on your body and your metabolism.
First things first, let's talk about how alcohol is metabolized in the body. Alcohol is calorically dense when compared to protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, there is little to no nutritional value in consuming alcohol. To make things even worse, there is very little energy expenditure to process alcohol. We burn calories to process protein, fat, or carbohydrates but burn very little energy processing alcohol. To complicate the picture further, our body views alcohol as a toxin which means it is the first thing to be metabolized, before any of the other macronutrients.
When you combine all of that information, it is safe to say that consuming alcohol may not be the best idea...
However, if you still choose to have a drink at the next party, here are some quick tips to help you stay health and safe!
1) Limit yourself to one or two drinks per party.
2) Avoid the high calorie drinks - i.e. Egg Nog and other sugary drinks
3) Follow each drink with a glass of water.
4) Pace yourself - Drink slowly.
5) Make sure that you have a safe way to get home from the party. NEVER drive a car while intoxicated.
Enjoy the holiday season, but always remember to stay safe!
December is always an interesting time of the year. Last year may have been a little different. However, typically in this time leading up to the holidays, we are invited to and attend quite a few holiday parties and get-togethers. Those holiday parties often bring quite a few challenging decisions.
For many of us, these parties will often include consuming some alcohol. Whether your choice is beer, wine, or a cocktail, you should know the impact that alcohol has on your body and your metabolism.
First things first, let's talk about how alcohol is metabolized in the body. Alcohol is calorically dense when compared to protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, there is little to no nutritional value in consuming alcohol. To make things even worse, there is very little energy expenditure to process alcohol. We burn calories to process protein, fat, or carbohydrates but burn very little energy processing alcohol. To complicate the picture further, our body views alcohol as a toxin which means it is the first thing to be metabolized, before any of the other macronutrients.
When you combine all of that information, it is safe to say that consuming alcohol may not be the best idea...
However, if you still choose to have a drink at the next party, here are some quick tips to help you stay health and safe!
1) Limit yourself to one or two drinks per party.
2) Avoid the high calorie drinks - i.e. Egg Nog and other sugary drinks
3) Follow each drink with a glass of water.
4) Pace yourself - Drink slowly.
5) Make sure that you have a safe way to get home from the party. NEVER drive a car while intoxicated.
Enjoy the holiday season, but always remember to stay safe!
Movement is my medicine,
