Lifestyle

Can you drink alcohol and still lose weight? Here’s all you need to know

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Whether it’s a bunch of old friends over weekends or chilling with colleagues at the end, a glass of wine or a pint of beer sets the mood right.


But if by chance you are watching your weight, you need to be a little cautious with your drinking as overdoing alcohol might easily sabotage your weight loss plan.

Your alcohol intake level directly affects your weight in several ways. In this article, we will tell you how much alcohol intake can sabotage your weight loss plan.

How alcohol affects your weight loss

First of all, alcohol contains empty calories and has zero nutrients. When you consume alcohol you increase your daily calorie count, which is essential to maintain when you are watching your weight. A pint of beer contains about 150 calories. Hard drinks are also high in sugar content that may lead to weight gain and also harm your gut health. It may increase the craving for unhealthy and sweet food the other day. Besides weight gain, excessive alcohol intake may also affect your organs, disrupt your sleep cycle and sex hormones.

How much alcohol is too much

Honestly, there is no right or wrong amount of alcohol. Any amount of alcohol is harmful to you and can negatively affect your health in more than one way. However, if you want to enjoy the occasional sip without ruining your effort to lose weight then have it in imitation. Taking more than or equal to 500 millilitres of beer may sabotage your weight loss goals. This amount of beer contains 220 calories. In the case of other alcoholic drinks do not exceed the 200 calories mark.

​Why this much alcohol intake is safe

A team of researchers concluded this after carrying out a detailed study to analyse the side effects of drinking beer. For the study, a team of nutrition and food science researchers representing universities, clinics, and hospitals throughout Spain collaborated to review data published on the health effects of beer published between January 2007 and April 2020. A thought study reveals that 500 ml is the safe limit for losing weight and going above that isn’t a smart option.

The best alcoholic drink

Out of all, beer contains the minimum amount of alcohol by weight, but it is also quite sugary. Rather than having drinks high in sugar or calories, you should opt for drinks with a low-calorie count like:

  • Vodka
  • Whiskey
  • Gin
  • Brandy

​The bottom line

Alcohol intake is just one thing that may impact your weight loss goal. Apart from this, several things may halt your progress. Your sleeping habit, smoking, stress level all these factors together help you lose weight.

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