Can you drink alcohol and still stay fit?
My birthday last year at my favorite wine bar in Charlotte (Substrate!) + vegan insomnia cookies.
The days are getting longer and warmer. The sun is out more often than not. Spritz season is finally upon us. Even though no amount of alcohol is good for us (yes, that includes wine!), you don’t have to feel like garbage or derail your health and fitness if you still choose to imbibe once and a while. Follow these tips next time you drink to make sure you’re treating your body with care and can wake up feeling healthy and hangover-free.
Drink a lot of water
Have at least one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have. Alcohol dehydrates you quickly — especially when it’s warmer outside. It’s way too easy to slurp down your cold cocktail when you’re thirsty and trying to cool down. Drinking water will help you pace yourself and enjoy your alcoholic drinks more. If you’re hanging outside in hot weather while drinking, consider drinking some electrolytes before and after to help you stay hydrated.
Drink slowly, preferably with friends.
Savor your drink
The only benefit alcohol provides to your body is pleasure. So savor your drinks! Skip the shots, don’t chug your beer, and make sure your drink is delicious. Taking your time and enjoying each sip is better for your health and your wallet.
Don’t join in every round
Check in with yourself when your friend offers to buy the next round. Do you really want another drink or do you just want to be out with your friends? If you’ve already had 1-2 drinks but want to hang, consider getting a mocktail, N/A beer or wine, or just a diet coke.
Mocktails are a fun way to avoid a hangover :)
Eat a healthy meal and hit your macros before you go out
If you’re drinking, eating is essential. Eating balanced meals with a healthy fat, protein, complex carb and some plants will keep you from feeling your drinks too fast and prevent hangovers in the morning. Another perk—if you get your nutrients in before you go out, you can get some fries or other less nutritious snacks later without sacrificing your health.
A healthy lunch at Mattie’s Diner before getting drinks with friends later
Watch your abv
If you’re going to have more than 1 drink, choose a drink with a lower alcohol content. This is especially important if you haven’t slept well or have been getting harder workouts in. Some examples of low abv drinks are:
Spritzes, americanos, bellinis or mimosas
Mixed drinks with a single shot of liquor like a gin & tonic or ranch water
Natural wine, sparkling wine, or rosé (less than 11% abv) instead of a heavy red wine
For beers, choose a gose, lager, sour, pale ale, or light beer
A spritz is my go-to
Get back to it
When you wake up the next morning, get back into your routine. Drink your water, go for a walk, and eat a healthy breakfast. If you over-indulged, it’s ok to modify your workout or get some extra rest. Drinking more in the morning or eating a bunch of unhealthy food, however, will make you feel worse.
