Many of us have heard of the Mediterranean Diet, a pattern of eating that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Its principles include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Not only has this diet been connected with longevity, but it also promotes a lean body type. Thanks to its light-touch cuisine, many people experience weight loss without feeling too deprived.
While this method of weight loss is healthy and sustainable, it doesn’t suit everyone’s taste buds. If you’re looking for a way to lose weight without giving up your favourite food, there’s nothing better than alcohol. By combining the two together, you’ll create a decadent, yet healthy, meal to satisfy your hunger while still losing weight!
Why alcohol and why now?
Alcohol has been known to induce lipid loss, which is great for our health. Studies have shown that the mere presence of alcohol in the bloodstream can reduce our appetites, leading to weight loss. Whether you drink a glass of wine or enjoy a cocktail, there’s always something healthier for you to choose. Plus, who doesn’t love a decent drink now and then?
The key is to enjoy food and drink in moderation, something that most people struggle with. If you do drink, try to space out your drinks so you don’t binge. For some people, drinking alone can lead to emotional eating, so try to avoid drinking in those situations. If you find that alcohol is helping you lose weight, then by all means, keep drinking!
How Does It Work?
When you drink alcohol, it enters the bloodstream and meets with special enzymes present in the liver. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts for chemical reactions in our bodies. These enzymes speed up or slow down the process of breaking down and transforming food into energy. When alcohol meets with the enzymes, it begins to break down into acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate. It’s important to note that the body isn’t designed to break down alcohol in this way; it has an upper limit on how much ethanol (ethyl alcohol) the liver can handle.
As you might guess, the liver can’t handle too much alcohol and will eventually become damaged. When this happens, the body can no longer function properly. There are several signs that your liver is damaged, and you should stop drinking if you notice any of them. These include feeling generally unwell, suffering from abdominal pain, or having elevated liver enzymes in the blood.
Even in small amounts, alcohol causes the body’s temperature to rise and inhibits thermogenesis (heat generation). With less energy being generated, your body will start to break down more readily available fats into energy. While this might not sound like a bad thing, it can lead to weight gain if you’re not careful!
Should You Try It?
If you’re looking for a way to lose weight without giving up your favourite food, then alcohol is definitely the way forward. It’s low-cost, easy to get, and there’s a wide variety available at supermarkets and liquor stores. What’s not to like?
If you’re worried about your liver, then it might not be the best choice for you. You should speak to your doctor about what type of alcohol is safe for you to consume. For instance, red wine or beer usually aren’t recommended for people with liver disorders. The same goes for people who are allergic to alcohol or suffer from epilepsy.
There’s a wide variety of alcohol available, so you should be able to find something that suits your taste buds and helps you lose weight. Remember to enjoy food and drink in moderation, though!