I am almost at the end of my simple and sensible weight loss tips. Please review and get back to me if you have any questions.
So why watch what you drink when it comes to holding a healthy weight? Simply put drinking caffeinated beverages, alcohol and fizzy drinks could trigger your stress hormones, telling your body that it is under attack so it stores fat around the middle.
Studies in humans have shown that caffeine increases cortisol and epinephrine at rest, and that levels of cortisol after caffeine consumption are similar to those experienced during an acute stress. Drinking coffee, in other words, re-creates stress conditions for the body.
Not only is alcohol devoid of proteins, minerals, and vitamins, it actually inhibits the absorption and usage of vital nutrients such as thiamine (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12, Folic Acid and Zinc.
Alcohol is also full of empty calories. Alcohol can be just as fattening as some foods. For example, a 4% ABV pint of beer can have as many calories as a slice of pizza (197 calories). A glass of 13% ABV wine can have as many calories as a slice of sponge cake (195 calories). Give your liver a rest for 4 weeks from alcohol.
Fizzy drinks are high in sugar and even the sugar free ones could have more caffeine than a normal cup of coffee or tea. Watch out for fizzy drinks such as Pepsi, Coca Cola. Iron Bru and Red Bull which all contain caffeine unless stated. Avoid fruit juice for 4 weeks this also hits the bloodstream too quickly then maybe try to reintroduce in diluted form.
Try and increase your water intake to 1.5-2 litres a day. Water is essential for digestion, absorption, circulation and excretion. An easy tip is to fill a bottle at the start of the day and make sure you carry it with you and drink it! You can even set drink reminders on your phone.
Just to note if you do decide to stop drinking caffeine you may get a headache. I would suggest speaking to a health care professional for the correct support and advice.
Thank you for reading.
Fiona Waring
Dip Nut, BSc.(Hons), MSc PHN, ANutr
Nutritional Therapist
M: +44 07957 267 964
eatyourgreens@fionawaring.com
‘Registered with the Association for Nutrition – www.associationfornutrition.org
Protecting the public and promoting high standards in evidence-based science and professional practice of nutrition.’
