Be aware of liquid calories when it comes to weight loss for men

As we come to the end of January, this may also coincide with the end of “Dry January” for you? Traditionally January has evolved over recent years as a one-month booze-free challenge, that helps to reset, not only the excesses of the festive period before but also, in some cases the relationship with alcohol in general. Research shows that 1 in 10 Brits took this challenge to give up alcohol this year and overall, this is a good thing. It prompts people to consider alternative ways to relax rather than relying on alcohol and can even kick start any new year health and weight loss goals.

But does it really make a difference to your body?

Has your experience to give up alcohol in January inspired you to continue into a Dry February?

Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you give up alcohol:

You’ll eat less

Alcohol is full of empty calories; calories that don’t satiate and certainly don’t nourish. As such, drinking alcohol can increase your appetite and you’re much more likely to crave high calorie foods. So, not only are you drinking more calories, the lack of food associated with the calories will trigger cravings so you’re likely to get hungrier and eat more calories too.

 

Reduce your cravings when you give up alcohol

You’ll sleep better

Whilst alcohol can make you fall asleep quickly, it will also disrupt your deeper, restorative sleep during the night.  Avoiding alcohol means you’ll get better quality sleep and you’ll wake more refreshed and less groggy; energised and ready for the day ahead.

You’ll speed up weight loss

If you’re waking more refreshed and energised you’re less likely to crave unhealthy fatty, high sugar foods during the day. Instead, you’re more likely to opt for healthy complex carbohydrate choices as well as nutritious vegetables and fruits, thus saving a significant calorie intake. This, in turn, creates a healthy cycle of good sleep, good food and increased energy and vitality in general; a state of being that is infinitely more appealing than a sluggish, fatigued state.

When you give up alcohol, healthy diet choices become more appealing

You’ll improve digestion

Alcohol can have an effect on the secretion of stomach acids, even in small doses. An efficient digestive process, where food is broken down effectively relies on the secretion of enough gastric acid as well as stomach muscle action. When these are impaired, the whole digestive process is slowed down and compromised.

You’ll stay hydrated

Alcohol is a diuretic, in other words, it flushes water out along with your urine. Avoiding alcohol allows your body to retain the right amount of water to ensure your are properly hydrated and also the correct electrolyte balance. Plus, if you’re drinking alcohol, you’re also likely to be drinking less water or herbal teas in the first place; further exacerbating your hydration levels.

Drink herbal teas instead when you're trying to give up alcohol

You’ll improve skin health

As a diuretic, the lack of water in your body will show in your skin, including your face. Even after just a few days, the difference in how your skin looks and feels can be noticeable and other skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema and rosacea can also improve with extended periods of avoiding alcohol.

You’ll protect your heart

Drinking alcohol and the associated excess calories that convert to fat and will raise the triglyceride levels in the blood. These fats can lead to a buildup of plaques in your arteries and cause heart disease. Avoiding alcohol helps the body to remove these triglycerides naturally to avoid a build-up of plaques.

 

Feel more energised when you give up alcohol

You’ll lower your cancer risk

Drinking alcohol has been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer and the risk increases the more you drink. The good news is that even just one month of abstinence will lower that risk particularly if it is also combined with a change in eating habits so you are eating more vegetables, fruits and beans and pulses and less processed, meat-heavy choices.

 

Thinking about going Vegan? Or Accidentally Vegan?

Plant-based foods are packed with an abundance of health-giving nutrients and eating a varied selection of vegetables and fruits every day holds the key to maximum health and vitality, as well as effortless weight maintenance.

Eating more plant-based and less meat is easier than you think but only if you know what you’re doing.

Accidentally Vegan; an easy way to eat more plant-based

[goscirclecta gos_attr_small_title=”Accidentally Vegan” gos_attr_title=”The safe and easy way to transition to a plant based way of eating” gos_attr_button_text=”GET STARTED” gos_attr_button_link=”https://maysimpkin.com/accidentally-vegan-game-changer-online-course/” gos_attr_button_link_open=”new” gos_attr_button_color=””][/goscirclecta]

 

Fancy joining me on a health retreat?

Retreat from the day-to-day routines with the sole purpose of focusing on your own health and wellbeing, both mentally and physically at Chateau de la Vigne, in the Loire Valley France.

If you’re struggling to motivate yourself or your health regime is a little haphazard, a health retreat is a perfect opportunity to kick start a healthy lifestyle!

£250 Booking Deposit to secure your spot ** JUST 2 SPOTS LEFT **

Spring Retreat: Wednesday 10th – Sunday 14th June 2020

[goscirclecta gos_attr_small_title=”Join Me!” gos_attr_title=”Health Retreats at Chateau de la Vigne” gos_attr_button_text=”Further Details” gos_attr_button_link=”https://maysimpkin.com/heath-retreats-bookings/” gos_attr_button_link_open=”same”][/goscirclecta]