How Many Carbs In Alcohol : The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

This post is from Libby at Ditch The Carbs Site

" This is my ultimate guide to carbs in alcohol – the good, the bad and the ugly. You can still enjoy alcohol when living low carb, but by making better choices and in moderation. Alcohol can be a tonic or toxic – it depends on how much and how often.

CARBS IN ALCOHOL

One of the most frequent questions I am asked by newcomers who are contemplating living low carb and sugar free, is “can I still drink alcohol?” “How many carbs in alcohol?” For many readers, it is a deal breaker whether they will even contemplate starting. And readers who have been living low carb for some time want to know why their weight has stalled, could it be their Friday night cocktails?

HOW MUCH ALCOHOL DO YOU DRINK?

Firstly let me say, I love my wine and and I love bubbles. I love a drink with friends as much as the next person, but I know not to drink to excess, and not to drink too often. Occasional drinks with friends and family is a wonderful way to celebrate, relax, unwind and socialise. As long as alcohol is consumed in moderation and you choose low carb options, you can still enjoy alcohol.

Do you know how many drinks you have each week? You need to be completely honest with yourself, and if even the thought of cutting back on alcohol is frightening, you need to get serious about how much and how often you drink.

I know plenty of people that could not entertain the idea of having a night with friends without excessive alcohol yet they complain they can’t lose weight or have medical problems that are associated with alcohol use. They would never associate the two but make no mistake, excessive alcohol is damaging. It is linked to cancer (especially breast, liver and colon), weight gain, alcoholic liver disease, anaemia and heart disease.

HOW ALCOHOL AFFECTS OUR BODY

THE HEALTH CONCERNS (DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THESE)

Alcohol will always be metabolised before anything else in the liver because it is a toxin.
Alcohol is not your friend if you are trying to lose belly fat.
You may be able to drink in moderation but make no mistake, it will stop weight loss and even cause weight gain.
If you want to breakthrough a weight loss plateau, stop alcohol completely until you see the results you want.
Alcohol lowers your self control when it comes to eating healthy foods.
Alcohol will increase your cravings and appetite (you get the ‘munchies’).
Alcohol can cause fatty liver disease.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS (DON’T OVERESTIMATE THESE)

Alcohol may be good for heart health, but only if consumed in moderation (otherwise it may adversely affect heart health).
Red wine can be a great source of reservatrol, an antioxidant. But not in excess.
Alcohol is a relaxant. "

The rest of her article with links etc can be found here

All the best Jan