Alcohol and your health...

Alcohol was once again the focus of media attention last week when the World Cancer Research Fund suggested that we should all limit our alcohol intake as part of a 10 point plan to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

The latest recommendations suggest that men should limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day, and women to one drink per day.

This recommendation is based upon evidence which demonstrates that there is no level of alcohol intake below which there is no increase in the risk of some cancers. Based solely on this evidence alone, alcohol should be avoided.

However, there is also evidence which indicates that small amounts of alcohol as part of a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Therefore it is up to each of us to decide whether we consume alcohol - but in any case it is best to limit your intake and drink sensibly.

Leaving long term health concerns aside, alcohol can also play havoc with your weight loss efforts...

Struggling to shift excess pounds?

You may not have considered it, but your alcohol consumption could be playing a major part in your weight loss war.

Alcohol contains seven calories per gram - that’s almost as many as protein and carbohydrate put together. Unlike other food groups, it contains ’empty’ calories - i.e. it gives energy but doesn’t give you any vitamins, minerals or nutrients for your calorie intake.

To make matters worse, alcohol actually has a negative impact on the nutritional content of your food. Your liver, which usually metabolises fat, breaks down the alcohol instead so your body cannot absorb vitamins or nutrients.

Because the liver is busy breaking down the alcohol its ability to release sugar is reduced and it stores the energy as fat instead. This can lead to the lethal abdominal fat that is closely linked to heart disease.

And it isn't just the alcohol in your drink that contains calories. Add juice or sugary mixers to your spirits and you’ll consume even more calories - chances are you’ll forget these and be flummoxed when you try to work out why you are not losing weight!

High-calorie sugary alcopops are a no no, as are creamy drinks, such as Baileys or milky cocktails. If you're trying to lose weight then spritzers or single spirits (yes singles!) and slimline mixers are the weight loss winners.

Alcohol and Willpower

First come the calories from the drink...then the food!

Think you're not guilty? How often do you find yourself strangely attracted to the kebab shop when you're sober?

Whilst pre-alcohol you might be able to say no to that slice of pizza you've have been craving for the last week, most of us can’t boast that same self control after a couple of drinks.

With your inhibitions dulled, you're more likely to say yes to fatty sugary foods...

Why do I get so hungry after drinking?

Alcohol plays havoc with your blood sugar - driving it up quickly, and down even quicker. When your blood sugar crashes you'll end up feeling hungry - and finding a healthy snack when you're out drinking is going to be a challenge.

Bear in mind the effects are more pronounced if you eat on an empty stomach, and can last until the next morning - that's right, you'll end up eating before you hit the sack, and you'll still wake up starving!

Alcohol and Cellulite

There's more bad news -despite the debate, the general consensus is that if you cut down on alcohol - or better still cut it out of your diet - it will help to reduce your cellulite.

Alcohol is a toxin that pollutes your body and slows down its natural waste elimination process. It’s high in calories, increases the fat levels in your blood and slows down your circulation and leads to dehydration - all the very things that experts believe cause the ’orange peel’ skin.

Alcohol and the dreaded beer belly

Beer Bellies should actually be renamed ’binge bellies’ after the findings of a study in the August 2003 Journal of Nutrition.

It found that people who drank infrequently but heavily have more of the dangerous abdominal fat than those who consumed the same amount but drank regularly. One more reason not to binge drink.

Be Honest

If you're struggling to lose weight then it's well worth a look at your alcohol intake - and the food that accompanies it!

Keep an alcohol diary for a week - 2 if you can - and have a close look at your intake. Work out where it's possible to cut out - or cut down on your consumption...chances are you drink more than you think!

If you're really serious about your weight loss you may want to go alcohol free for a month and see what difference it makes - it might just be the missing link in your road to success!