I still engage in a daily program of recovery myself and also enjoy fitness and health, nature, sports, horror movies, video games, cooking and spending time with family and friends. I have been on both sides of the fence, active addiction and recovery, and continue to choose recovery every day. Currently enrolled in a master’s program for Social Work, he is committed to expanding his knowledge and providing comprehensive care. Inspired by his upbringing in Bolivia, marked by poverty, unaddressed mental health, and substance use, he brings a unique perspective to his role as a Primary Therapist at the Freedom Center. He tailors treatment plans to meet individual needs, fostering healing and growth.

• The nutritional value of a glass of wine can vary quite a bit by varietal, style, and even by the winemaker.
• The best way to avoid the negative effects of alcohol is to quit drinking entirely.
• I now enjoy working with others and helping them get through the hard times of early recovery.
• Has alcohol been fueling groggy driving activity and weight gain since the dawn of man?
• Michael’s goal is to connect current client and alumni with resources to strengthen their life in recovery.
• Also, alcoholic intoxication may increase the likelihood of overeating.

You’ve probably heard the term “empty calories,” which refers to energy-dense (high-calorie) foods and drinks with little or no nutritional value. At seven calories per gram2 (almost as high as fat, which has 9 calories per gram), alcohol is one of the biggest empty calorie culprits, and one of many factors known to contribute to weight gain. Drinking frequently can also result in excess fat or weight gain. Often referred to as the „beer belly,“ your stomach after copious amounts of alcohol long-term will probably be bigger than if you weren’t drinking. Still, even if abusive drinkers do get a few rounds on the house, calorically speaking, it doesn’t add up to a knockout figure. Habitual excessive alcohol consumption has long been linked to an increased waist-to-hip ratio (a fancy term for a beer belly).

You can still enjoy drinking

You may want to skip mixed drinks completely and stick with beer or wine. Lifestyle changes can lead to weight loss, and cutting down on alcohol consumption can be an important first step. If a person gains weight from drinking alcohol and wishes to lose it, the speed of results can does alcohol cause you to gain weight depend on several factors, including the amount of weight in question, the person’s diet, and their exercise routine. Anecdotally, at least, many people report overeating after drinking. This may also be a result of lowered inhibitions and impaired judgment — two effects of alcohol.

The best wine for weight loss is low in sugar, calories, and alcohol. Dry red wines high in antioxidants are a good option for dieters seeking health benefits from their wine. But, this doesn’t mean women can’t accumulate fat around their bellies. The obvious reasons for fat around the belly are consuming too many calories throughout the day and not burning them off through exercise. If you’re eating or drinking high-energy items and not exercising enough you’re likely to develop excess weight which is then stored in the stomach.

How long does alcohol bloating last?

„It’s better to eat fresh or frozen fruit than it is to drink fruit juice,“ Chenard points out. She also notes, „They are not the same. There’s no fiber in fruit juice, so, sugar-wise, it’s like drinking a soda. If you’re watching your weight, eat the fruit, don’t drink the juice.“ The best way to control calories from drinking is to limit how much you drink. It is OK to turn down a drink you do not want or refuse a top-off on your wine glass. You can skip drinking altogether and volunteer to be the designated driver.

Eliminating alcohol is not necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is perfectly fine to enjoy a glass of red wine with a meal, for example. The problem arises when people binge drink, i.e. having 3-4+ glasses of wine or pints of beer at once. Normally, your body uses the food you’ve consumed on a first-come, first-serve basis. One gram of alcohol contains 7.1 calories, and commonly consumed drinks can range from about 100 to 200-plus calories. However, despite your average drink’s seemingly significant calorie count, these beverages don’t contribute to weight gain as much as calorie-counting math suggests they should.