Did you participate in Dry January this year, or are you skipping a year? Drinking a glass of alcohol is so ingrained in our lives. It is sociable and enjoyable. What do you know about the consequences of alcohol, and what benefits do you gain from cutting back?
A healthier body
For a while, there was a hype surrounding the health effects of red wine. A glass was supposedly good for your heart and blood vessels. This stems from the idea that the antioxidants present in wine have positive effects on your health. Naturally, that suits red wine drinkers just fine. However, a recent study contradicts this health claim. The Health Council recommends drinking little to none at all. No more than one glass at a time, and a maximum of three times a week. The Nutrition Center There is a clear article about this. With this, you have the lowest risk of illness and stay healthy the longest.
Alcohol has a direct negative influence
The body absorbs alcohol quickly, and it has an immediate effect. It begins with a relaxed feeling and a certain degree of anxiety reduction. Breathing and pulse quicken, and the blood vessels in the skin dilate. This is visible as a red face. When alcohol is consumed slowly and with food, the process is slower. Alcohol enters the bloodstream via the small intestine. A small portion of the alcohol is already broken down in the stomach. The liver breaks down the alcohol that enters the bloodstream.
Alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde in the body. This substance is harmful to cells, but you quickly excrete it through urine and exhaled air.
Less alcohol and therefore more energy
If you enjoy a drink and go out regularly, you know how the next morning starts. Your body hasn't burned off all the alcohol yet, and your night's sleep was anything but good. The hangover leaves you with less energy and, consequently, less productive. This can sometimes last for up to two days. As a result, you have a shorter, more productive week. By quitting drinking, every day of the week suddenly counts again: getting up on time, full of energy, and ready to be active. This also allows you to train more often and more effectively.
Alcohol and sports
Does drinking alcohol occasionally suit you, and do you choose to do so? To counteract the negative effects of alcohol and sports, it is best to carefully plan your drinking and exercise moments. One option is to 'plan' your hangover, ensuring that you do not have to train or work the next day. That way, your training or work won't suffer as much!
You sleep better
It might seem like you sleep better after a drink, but the quality of your sleep is lower. Although science hasn't yet unraveled everything about sleep, research seems to indicate that you wake up feeling less rested. You might recognize this feeling; after an evening of heavy drinking, you fall asleep like a log. However, this is not quality sleep, but more like a coma. The REM sleep for processing and the deep sleep for recovery are skipped. As a result, you wake up exhausted.
Save money by drinking less
Are you saving for a new pair of (sports) shoes or do you want to plan a holiday? A lot of money can fly away without you noticing during a night out. A glass of wine easily costs €4.00, meaning you can quickly spend €100 on alcohol per month. You will probably save a considerable amount if you cut out alcohol. You can then spend that money on other fun things.
Slimmer with 0.0% wine and beer
Drinking less alcohol is also very good for your figure. Nowadays, more and more high-quality 0% drinks are available. This allows you to still enjoy yourself, consume fewer calories, and feel much fitter in the morning. Who wouldn't want that?.
Alcohol contains 7 kcal per gram. That adds up quite a bit if you drink three glasses of beer or wine.
Do you want to stop drinking alcohol or drink less? The MINT Personal Training team can help you with that. Would you like more information? Stop by for a free consultation.
About Kitty Atsma
Kitty is a passionate nutrition specialist and vitality coach with a broad scientific basis in nutrition and exercise. As a member of the national examination committee of the TCI (Nutrition Specialist & GWC), she monitors the quality of the field at the highest level. As a professional blogger, Kitty combines her in-depth expertise with the possibilities of AI to make complex health topics accessible. She curates and controls the technology to get to the heart of the matter, where her own vision and years of practical experience always determine the course.
Nutrition Specialist Teacher | BGN Weight Consultant | Member TCI Examination Board | Vitality coach
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