Your body views alcohol as poison, dramatic right? But true.

As a result of this, as soon as you drink your body down regulates other services of the body including the metabolism. What happens when your metabolism down regulates? Anything you eat is not processed as efficiently leading to higher levels of fats and carbohydrates being stored in the body. It will also send your liver and kidneys into overdrive trying metabolise the alcohol.

Now no one is saying you should never drink again. I think that enjoying yourself and having a drink 100% deserves a place in your social calendar if that's something you enjoy! However, you must take into account the effects of alcohol on your body if you are on a training plan that involves fat loss or muscle building.

Pair alcohol with calorific foods, add in the dehydration that follows the next day, plus the cravings for more high calorie comfort food and you push back your progress.

Is it worth taking longer to get to your goal? Only you can decide that .. as always the choice to drink, to stick to your plan, to train, to show up, to take responsibility, to listen to your coach .. lies with you. The best part about that is, that when you finally achieve what you've been working towards, you know that it was YOU who put all the hard work in.

Would I recommend alcohol when your goal is muscle building or targeting fat loss? It isn’t optimal, however I can completely understand if people choose to do so. As a coach we are here to support and guide you, not to dictate your life .. having a really open and honest relationship with your coach is important for you to get the best out your program, even if you decide to include some sub optimal choices in your life. There are other things to consider, such as mental health and having a social drink with friends can really boost well being. As usual, there isn’t a straight forward solution and the answer is very individualised.

Interested in being coached by me? Check out the link in my bio to book a consultation.

Coaching for @womansbodycoach

Written by Laura Moss.
Edited by Deepa