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- Triangle CrossFit
To Drink, or Not to Drink…..Alcohol
Having a beer or a glass of wine is a part of a lot of adult social activities. Alcohol provides a lot of calories, but no nutritional value. It is best to avoid it altogether, but if you’re like most adults I know, you enjoy to have a drink or two when out with your friends.
Here are a few tips to still have the occasional drink, while staying on track with your fitness and lifestyle goals:
Drink lots of water
It will slow down the amount you may consume, as well as keep you hydrated to help avoid a hangover.
Dehydration will lead to lack of performance in your workouts, so stay hydrated.
Eat a good meal before you go out
If you’re like me, you eat everything you would never eat after a few drinks.
Make sure to eat high protein, veggie packed meals before a night out to help offset the possible bad decisions later in the evening.
This only applies to bad drinking decisions, the other decisions are on you.
Stick to the basics
Drink things like a glass of wine or a vodka soda.
Avoid the heavy beers (which unfortunately for me are IPA’s) as well as the sugary fun drinks that generally involve a cute umbrella accessory.
Set a limit before you head out for the night.
I know this one may be tough, but if you’re serious about your fitness goals you will be serious about your limit.
If you reach your limit ask for a seltzer water with lime or a flavored mineral water. That way, you will have a drink in hand, but save yourself the calories of an alcoholic beverage.
If rapid weight loss and/or muscle building is your goal, avoiding alcohol is the best option. If you still want to have an occasional drink, readjust your expectations of your goals.
Cheers!
Author: Erin S.