Is alcohol making you gain weight? Top tips on curbing lockdown booze
Since the lockdown began alcohol consumption has surged in the UK, with one study finding that 61 per cent of people in the UK had increased their alcohol intake during the lockdown.
Some people are drinking more because they are stressed or anxious about the Coronavirus, using it as a coping mechanism.
Some people are doing it because they are out of their normal routine and don’t have to get up early for work the next day.
Some use it as a way to unwind after a stressful day at work.
Some do it because they simply find it relaxing and see it as a bit of ‘me-time’.
Whatever the reason, you’ve got to be mindful of the volume of alcohol you’re drinking because excessive drinking can have a negative effect on your health – both mental and physical.
A lot of people are starting to feel their weight creep up and that could be partly down to alcohol because it switches your brain into starvation mode, increasing your hunger and appetite.
It also inhibits the body’s ability to burn fat because your body treats it as a toxin and works to get rid of the alcohol straight away, putting fat burning on hold.
Excessive drinking also reduces vitamin and mineral absorption which is going to do your immune system no good either, which, let’s face it, could do without and additional strain right now.
So, if you want lose weight and stay healthy you may need to consider your alcohol consumption.
I'm not saying cut alcohol out altogether but I would recommend reducing your intake to at least follow the current UK guidelines, which is 14 units a week for women and men.
This is equivalent to drinking no more than 6 pints of average-strength beer (4% ABV) or 7 medium-sized glasses of wine (175ml, 12% ABV) a week.
For some, it may seem hard not to go over the recommended limit, so what can we do to help curb out quarantine drinking habits?
Try To Keep Busy
After you’ve finished work, find activities to occupy your time.
Home workouts, scheduling calls with friends, board games, computer games – anything to keep you busy.
Try booking these allocated hours into your calendar as it will help plan out your day and may help you unknowingly avoid drinking if you're keeping busy. Avoid Holiday Mode Try to link your current drinking to your normal routine – not your holiday routine, as this is the best way to keep drinking at a sensible level.
Ask yourself: 'Would I have had a drink right now if I wasn't in isolation?' and let the answer guide your actions.
Don’t Bulk Buy
Practically, it may sound obvious but in these times of panic-buying, don't overstock on booze.
You’re more likely to drink to excess if you have a lot, and it won't feel as much of a treat if you have crates of it accessible.
You could also try adding alcohol free alternatives to your shopping list, such as alcohol-free beer and lowpercentage wine.
Make Better Lifestyle Choices
Look to lifestyle choices – that is, exercising regularly, eating well, getting enough good-quality sleep, and going easy on yourself.
Eating nutritious meals will keep your mind healthy, and this boost will mean you'll be less likely to drink to excess as you'll be looking after your mental health.
More top tips on keeping fit during lockdown are available on my Facebook page.