Breaking bad habits can be challenging, but it’s essential if you’re looking to improve your overall health and wellbeing. One of the most significant habits that can affect your physical and mental health is excessive alcohol consumption. Apart from the adverse effects on the liver, drinking alcohol can also lead to weight gain and obesity. While quitting alcohol may seem daunting at first, it can help you shed unwanted pounds and improve your overall health and fitness.
Alcohol contains empty calories
Alcohol is high in calories, containing about seven calories per gram. To put things in perspective, carbohydrates and proteins both contain four calories per gram, while fat contains nine calories per gram. Drinking just a few alcoholic beverages each day can add hundreds of empty calories to your daily intake. These empty calories have no nutritional value and can lead to weight gain if not burned off through physical activity.
Drinking alcohol can lower your metabolism
Alcohol lowers your metabolism by interfering with your body’s ability to burn fat. When you drink alcohol, your liver prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol over burning fat, which means that the natural fat-burning process slows down. This can lead to weight gain and an increase in belly fat.
Alcohol consumption can lead to poor food choices
Alcohol consumption can also lead to poor food choices. Many people tend to reach for unhealthy snacks when they’re drinking, such as chips, fries, and other fast foods. Alcohol can lower your inhibitions, leading to overeating or eating unhealthy foods. This, in turn, can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Quitting alcohol helps with weight loss
If you’re looking to lose weight, quitting alcohol can help you shed unwanted pounds. When you quit drinking, you cut out empty calories and give your body a chance to burn fat more efficiently. You’ll also be more inclined to make healthier food choices, leading to improved overall health and weight loss. Additionally, quitting alcohol can help you sleep better. Studies have shown that people who drink alcohol before bed have poorer sleep quality than those who don’t. Poor sleep can lead to weight gain, so quitting alcohol can help you get better quality sleep and reduce the risk of weight gain.
Final thoughts
Quitting alcohol can be challenging, but it’s essential if you’re looking to improve your health and shed unwanted pounds. When you quit drinking, you cut out empty calories, improve your metabolism, and make healthier food choices that help you lose weight and improve your overall health. Additionally, quitting alcohol can lead to improved sleep quality, which can further aid in weight loss. If you’re struggling to quit drinking, seeking professional help or joining a support group can be an excellent first step in achieving your weight loss and health goals.