Alcohol vs. Physique
I receive this question a lot from friends: “Can I still drink alcohol and get a summer bod physique? How much alcohol should I drink?”
It’s a great question and one that has gone through the mind of everyone who cares about their physique. The answer is YES; however, quantifying an amount is more difficult than that. I will comment on the more nutritional advice as opposed to the fitness advice here.
Actors and actresses who go on diets for movies generally are instructed to avoid alcohol consumption during their training phase. All alcohol. That means the people we see in the movies whose bodies we envy…zero alcohol. If you haven’t checked out my latest video (Superhero Diet Revealled!!!) you will see actors like Hugh Jackman comment on the zero alcohol policy during interviews. Buzzfeed did a video called “We Dieted Like Chris Pratt for 30 Days”. Around 5:50 one of the volunteers comments on his inability to drink at a party.
I do not expect you to do this.
It is true that actors and actresses go sober for several months, but they are paid to do this for their job. You do not have to sacrifice your social lifestyle choices, but maybe you can tweak them.
Here is the suggestion I present to those who ask me the question: Drink in moderation, and pick 1 day out of the week and make that the day you allow yourself to drink. I won’t tell you to count calories. Pick 1 day and don’t start drinking until after 5pm. It doesn’t even have to be the same day routinely. You could say "This week I’ll drink on Friday, next week I’ll drink on Saturday."
Why:
1 day allows you to meet up with friends, no worries, and enjoy yourself.
It allows your body to rest and recover for the rest of the week.
Creates a goal and keeps you mentally focused.
Limits your consumption to one day of the week.
Able to focus physically in workouts throughout the week. - Alcohol is a depressant and a diuretic, making it difficult to want to go and work out
"Doesn’t this promote binge drinking?" I am merely suggesting choosing to drink 1 day of the week rather than 2 or 7. The amount of alcohol you consume is ultimately up to you and drinking in moderation is always best. If you find yourself drinking more than in moderation here are some helpful tips:
Find a level of alcohol consumption that is appropriate for you. It is important to find the proper amount of drinks, type of drinks, and timing between drinks. Alcohol tolerances vary from person to person and can affect how you feel at the bar or at home the next morning.
Drink a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is a diuretic. This means in simple terms that alcohol makes you pee. The more you pee, the more dehydrated you get. This is because alcohol blocks an antidiuretic hormone that stops your kidneys from absorbing water, which then excretes as urine. Drinking a glass of water in between will make you pee more, but it will keep you hydrated. This in turn may lead to a reduced effect of hangovers post-party.
Eat something good! Ditching the late night pizza or drive-through may save you from feeling gross in the morning. Eat something with protein and fiber while you’re out, or make a plate of food before you go out. That way, when you come home, you have food ready to eat. Eating food while you’re out may also absorb alcohol and delay the dizziness of a spinning room.
Comment on what you think about my suggestion and give it a shot! <- (pun intended)
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise or dieting program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty, stop and consult your healthcare provider.