GIVING YOURSELF GRACE WITH ALCOHOL
If you're someone who enjoys alcohol but doesn't know how to incorporate it into a balanced lifestyle, this post is for you.
I love wine! I love going to wine tastings with friends and family, and I believe a dinner experience can be maximized with a wine pairing. There is a BIG struggle with finding a place for alcohol in your routine. What if I drink too much? How do I count it towards my daily goals? Will I lose control and eat unhealthy after drinking? These are common thoughts. Let's debunk them.
What if I drink too much?: Plan it out. We know our limits and tolerance. Respect it. As we get older, gone are the days where we can over indulge and wake up with zero woes. If you are someone who drinks 3 or 4 times a week decide what you will have. One glass? Two? Make the choice before hand. Double your water intake to offset dehydration. If you head out on vacation and don't want to worry about over indulging, mentally prepare yourself for the hangover the next day. If I know its coming, that helps me adjust my mentality around a routine-shift and the anxiety lessens drastically.
Will I lose control and eat unhealthy after drinking? This one is 100% mental. Overthinking alcohol can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. You worry so much about the "drunchies" that when the night ends it's all you focus on. This circles back to "What if I drink too much?" Know your limits. Plan it out. It's easier said than done but once you stop the worry of eating post alcohol and have a solid plan, it no longer consumes your thoughts.
How do I count it towards my daily goals?: If you are someone who tracks what you eat (we don't all), you may struggle with alcohol because it is technically its own macro. Even though it is neither fat, carb, nor protein, you can count alcohol as a fat or a carb when tracking. You may not count it for protein because alcohol does not contain the nutrients to fuel muscle growth. On the days you choose to drink, try eating protein dense meals beforehand to ensure you are still getting enough of this macronutrient. I love using MyFitness Pal as a way to make sure I am hitting my protein for the day.
At the end of the day. You don't need to give up alcohol to find your balance and achieve results you desire. Give yourself grace around the pleasures in life and say yes to moments where you can indulge and enjoy. Cheers!