Why you should give up alcohol NOW: Personal trainer Sam Wood reveals EXACTLY how much weight can be lost by ditching booze – and the benefits start immediately
- Personal trainer Sam Wood revealed the benefits of ditching alcohol for good
- Australian coach said people often have alcohol to blame for not losing weight
- Sam said reducing your drink intake by 500 calories a day will lose .5kg a week
- One of his clients, Amy, managed to lose 20kg by binning booze and eating well
- Previously, nutritionist Lee Holmes shared the benefits of giving up alcohol
Personal trainer Sam Wood has revealed the benefits of ditching alcohol from your diet, and exactly how much weight can be lost by getting rid of booze for good.
The Australian fitness coach said he often asks clients to look at their alcohol intake when they are training and eating well but not losing much weight.
This is because your body burns your fat reserves to get the energy it needs on a day-to-day basis, but alcohol provides a quicker energy source for your body than fat does.
This can make weight loss plans difficult if you’re someone who enjoys a regular drink.
Personal trainer Sam Wood (pictured) has revealed the benefits of ditching alcohol from your diet, and exactly how much weight can be lost by getting rid of booze for good
‘A lot of people lose a fair bit of weight once they give up alcohol and follow a healthier lifestyle,’ Sam wrote on his website.
For example, if you’re someone who has a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, or up to 14 glasses across a week, you could save yourself almost an entire day’s worth of eating:
‘A glass of Pinot Grigio contains 120 calories, so that’s 1680 extra calories you’re consuming per week,’ Sam said.
‘Reducing your drink calorie intake by approximately 500 calories per day can result in .5kg of weight loss per week.’
‘Reducing your drink calorie intake by approximately 500 calories per day can result in .5kg of weight loss per week,’ Sam said (stock image)
Sam illustrated the power of giving up alcohol for weight loss with one of his clients, Amy.
Amy managed to shed an impressive 20kg by ditching her booze habit.
‘I gave up alcohol, not for my body… but for my mental health. No excuses, just hard work and commitment every day,’ Amy said.
She is now much more confident about her body in swimwear on the beach.
Sam (pictured) said the benefits from giving up drinking don’t stop at weight loss either; you can expect to enjoy better sleep, better skin and more energy through the day
Sam said the benefits from giving up drinking don’t stop at weight loss either.
You can expect to enjoy better sleep and better quality sleep, more energy during the day and a much-reduced chance of liver damage.
‘Excess alcohol can suppress your immune function and lead to inflammation in the body,’ Sam said.
This means your body finds it harder to fight off seasonal illnesses like the cold and flu.
The PT said ditching alcohol also means an improved mood and clearer skin.
‘Most types of alcohol contain salt and sugar, two ingredients that lead to bloating and inflammation,’ nutritionist Lee Holmes (pictured) explained
Seven tricks for ‘drinking smarter’
1. Space out your drinks – ‘Sip and savour the flavour! You’ll end up drinking less and enjoying it more.’
2. Three is enough – ‘Follow the three limit rule and stop after your third drink.’
3. Set goals before heading out – ‘Pre-plan your alcohol consumption. That way, you are more likely to stick to what you’ve planned.’
4. Set clear boundaries – ‘Tell your friends you are watching your alcohol intake, and don’t feel obligated to keep drinking with them if you want to drink mindfully. Mindful drinking is all about drinking while thinking!’
5. Think about tomorrow – ‘Remember everything you want to do the next day and what things a hangover would prevent you from doing. This will help you stay on track if you know you have things you need to do.’
6. Sharing is caring – ‘Share a bottle with friends – you don’t need to polish a whole one off on your own!’
7. Remember your power – ‘You don’t have to drink if you don’t want to. You always have a choice.
Source: Lee Holmes
Previously, nutritionists shared the ways quitting alcohol for 31 days can improve your health – and the major change that begins just one hour into abstinence.
Experts say binning the booze for just one month can transform your health, provided the temporary abstinence leads to a more moderate and mindful approach to drinking in the long run.
‘Over a 31-day period, abstaining from alcohol can help you maintain a healthy weight, taking into account what food you consume and your general lifestyle during that period,’ food author Lee Holmes explained.
‘Most types of alcohol contain salt and sugar, two ingredients that lead to bloating and inflammation.
‘Giving it up for 31 days certainly won’t harm you – it’s good to give your body and gut a break.’
Revealed: Long-term effects of regular heavy drinking
Brain: Drinking too much can affect your concentration, judgement, mood and memory. It increases your risk of having a stroke and developing dementia.
Heart: Heavy drinking increases your blood pressure and can lead to heart damage and heart attacks.
Liver: Drinking three to four standard drinks a day increases your risk of developing liver cancer. Long-term heavy drinking also puts you at increased risk of liver cirrhosis (scarring) and death.
Stomach: Drinking even one to two standard drinks a day increases your risk of stomach and bowel cancer, as well as stomach ulcers.
Fertility: Regular heavy drinking reduces men’s testosterone levels, sperm count and fertility. For women, drinking too much can affect their periods.
Source: Health Direct
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