During the festive season, and throughout the rest of the year for many of us, we tend to drink alcohol fairly regularly. Evenings with friends, a glass with a good meal, all kinds of celebrations… the occasions are endless! We already know that alcohol isn’t exactly a friend to a healthy lifestyle. What we sometimes forget is that it can also upset a balanced diet and affect how cellulite looks. Below, we look at what alcohol adds to your day, how it can affect your appetite, and a few simple ideas for keeping things in check.
The impact of alcohol on cellulite and weight
The first thing to consider when looking at alcohol’s effect on our weight and dimpled skin is its sugar content, which can be extremely high. That sugar comes on top of the calories in the alcohol itself. For example, a glass of red wine contains around 70 calories, a vodka shot 120 calories, a beer 110 calories, and a fruit-juice cocktail can clock in at up to 180 calories!
So the maths adds up quickly: if you have several drinks in one evening, your daily calorie count can soon climb. These calories come both from the alcohol itself and from the sugars in alcohol, with juices and syrups often adding more. That’s why, drunk regularly, this drink can have a real impact on a balanced diet. When we consume more calories than we need, our body stores the surplus as fat… which can end up settling into those dimples and extra pounds.
On top of that, drinking alcohol can blur certain signals, including the feeling of fullness. In other words, after a few glasses, you may find it harder to notice when you’re no longer hungry and to stop eating at that point. Add the crisps, crackers and very salty, sugary or fatty snacks that so often come with a drink, and the balance of your evening’s eating can quickly go out of the window.
Finally, alcohol tends to dehydrate the body, which partly explains that feeling of fatigue and general malaise the morning after a heavy night. If you’re prone to water-retention cellulite or you suffer from fluid retention, drinking too much too often risks making things worse.
How to limit the damage alcohol does to your figure and cellulite
To limit alcohol’s impact on your figure and cellulite, try to drink in moderation. On a night when things get a little out of hand, make a point of drinking a glass of water between each alcoholic drink. It’s a great way to slow down your intake. Also steer clear of very fatty or salty snacks that tend to go hand in hand with a drink, and opt for alternatives such as breadsticks, vegetable crudités and hummus instead.
Now you know why alcohol can upset a balanced diet and affect how cellulite looks. That said, don’t be too hard on yourself! An occasional glass can have its place in a balanced diet, so there’s no need to cut it out entirely. As always with food and drink, the key is to be sensible and enjoy those sociable moments.
Feeling a little heavy after a big night out? Focus on water! As well as being the simplest option, drinking water is easy to keep up, and the next day you can get back to your usual meals. For an alternative to another glass, try a tea: with their blends of flowers, citrus and natural botanicals, teas are a pleasant choice you’ll enjoy for the taste.
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Useful categories: Slimming Tips.
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