Alcohol consumption is a common part of social life for many people, but it can also have negative effects on health, including weight gain. The good news is that quitting alcohol can have significant weight loss benefits. Here’s how:
Alcohol is high in calories
Alcohol is high in calories, with some drinks containing as much as a meal. A 12-ounce beer has around 150 calories, while a 5-ounce glass of wine has roughly 120 calories. Cocktails can be even higher, with some containing up to 500 calories. Cutting out these extra calories from alcohol can lead to significant weight loss.
Alcohol increases appetite
Alcohol is also known to increase appetite, making it harder to stick to a healthy diet. This effect may be due to alcohol’s impact on the hormones that regulate hunger. Without alcohol, it’s easier to make healthier food choices and stick to a lower-calorie diet.
Alcohol decreases metabolism
Finally, alcohol can also decrease metabolism, making it harder to burn calories. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, which means the liver is busy processing alcohol instead of burning fat. When alcohol is removed from the diet, the liver can focus on metabolism, which can lead to more efficient calorie burning.
Making quitting alcohol stick
Quitting alcohol may seem daunting, but there are many things people can do to make it easier:
1. Set a goal: Whether it’s a daily, weekly, or monthly goal, setting a target can help people stay motivated and on-track.
2. Find support: Friends and family can provide support, as well as attending support groups or seeking help from a professional.
3. Identify triggers: Knowing what makes people want to drink and finding alternative ways to deal with these triggers is essential for success.
4. Establish new habits: Replacing alcohol with healthy habits such as regular exercise and healthy eating can help people make quitting alcohol a long-term lifestyle change.
5. Be patient: Quitting alcohol is not an easy process, and it’s important to be patient with oneself.
In conclusion, quitting alcohol can have significant weight loss benefits. By setting goals, finding support, identifying triggers, establishing new habits, and being patient, individuals can make quitting alcohol a long-term lifestyle change with many health benefits.