Is It True That Alcohol Makes You Fat?

The main danger to your figure is not the calories from ethanol, but the conditions it creates. We tell you how much alcohol you can consume per day so as not to gain extra pounds.

How to drink so as not to gain extra pounds.

How alcohol is absorbed

Alcohol is considered quite caloric: ethanol contains 7.1 kcal per 1 g. However, the body receives only 20% of calories due to the thermoeffect - the energy required for its absorption. This is about 5.7 kcal per 1 g. But they are not stored as fat either. From 24 g of alcohol, about 0.8 g of fat is formed in the liver in six hours.

However, the main danger to your figure is not the calories from ethanol, but the conditions it creates. Because alcohol is a poison, your body tends to process it faster. While the body copes with alcohol, fat burning is suppressed by 73%. Therefore, the fats and carbohydrates that you consume along with alcohol are most likely to turn into extra pounds.

Moreover, alcohol does not suppress appetite and increases portions eaten after drinking. If you add to this a reduced sense of control, you risk consuming much more high-calorie food and replenishing your fat stores.

How to drink so that it does not affect the figure

You can drink and not gain weight, but for this you need to follow a few rules.

Don't drink a lot

People who consume alcohol in moderation weigh less than those who have completely given up alcohol. And there is less risk of obesity.

Moreover, moderate alcohol consumption improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, a disorder in which insulin resistance develops and a person becomes very fat.

However, all studies that prove the positive effect of alcohol speak of moderate doses - 30-40 grams of ethanol per day. This is slightly less than two cans of beer, one hundred grams of vodka or 200 grams of wine.

Choose the right alcohol

Do not drink alcohol rich in carbohydrates: beer, alcoholic cocktails and sweet wines. Instead, opt for low- or no-carb alcohol: dry wine, brandy, gin, rum, scotch, tequila, vodka, and whiskey.

Since ethanol itself is not stored in fat, choosing alcohol without carbohydrates, you are less likely to gain extra pounds.

Eat food rich in protein

Dietary protein provides a feeling of satiety better than fats and carbohydrates. A diet rich in protein helps keep weight under control and protects against metabolic syndrome.

By snacking on high-protein foods, you'll be less likely to reach for fatty and sugary snacks during a boozy party.

Eat more vegetables

On the days you drink alcohol, you need to keep your carbs and fats low. However, it is important that you get all the vitamins and fiber you need. Vegetables are perfect for this: they are low in calories and high in dietary fiber.

Vegetables, especially green ones, will help keep you full throughout the day and regulate blood sugar spikes. Broccoli, white cabbage and Brussels sprouts are perfect.

Don't overeat after the party

When you return home, there is a high probability of eating something high in calories. Especially since such food is usually very tasty, and alcohol reduces self-control. In order not to overeat with ice cream or sandwiches with sausage, prepare something healthy and low-calorie in advance in case of a night rush.

Follow these rules, drink in moderation, and alcohol will not harm your figure.