A Clever Diversion

missnutrition:

(Thanks again to the asker who informed me that I don’t have anything regarding alcohol in one’s diet!)

Just like any food or drink that someone could crave, alcohol should not be restricted completely.

This topic is difficult to discuss, because it is considered a drug and is also built on peoples’ morals. If you do not morally agree with alcohol, then good for you, you have nothing to worry about.

However, I see nothing wrong with moderately drinking, and understand that people like to have a couple drinks when they socialize.

I want to reiterate that I am NOT in ANY WAY promoting alcoholism and I am not giving advice to drink, this post is for people who do drink alcohol and would like some guidance as to how to include it in a way where they are still ‘eating healthy’.

Surprisngly, there are health benefits to drinking alcohol. However, there are also risks, and, according to Mayoclinic, the risks outweigh the benefits. 

Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Consumption:

- Reduce risk of developing heart disease

- Reduce risk of death from heart attack

- Possibly reduce risk of stroke

- Lower risk of gallstones

- Possibly reduce risk of diabetes

Keep in mind that these benefits are not completely certain, and the effects vary from person to person.

So, what does “drinking moderately” mean, exactly?

2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend up to one drink a day for women, and up to two drinks a day for men. 

Examples of 1 drink:

Beer = 12 fl oz

Wine = 5 fl oz

80 proof distilled spirits = 1.5 oz (like a shot)

So, if you do drink alcohol moderately, and enjoy it, then you don’t usually need to stop. There are some specific circumstances where you shouldn’t be drinking any, such as genetic alcohol problems, but other then that, it is okay to work alcohol into your eating plan.

If you’re trying to lose weight, moderate your weight, or gain weight, make sure to keep track of how many calories you’re consuming in alcohol, because it can easily add up.

Good luck and CHEERS! :)

Sources: 1