Summertime means BBQs and adult beverages. With July 4 coming, this is a good time to think about alcohol intake and it impact on your body including reducing:
- Muscle building
- Testosterone levels
- Athletic performance
- Muscle glycogen storage
- Muscle recovery
These are some of the short-term effects of alcohol. Longer-term effects can be reduced immunity and increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The impact of alcohol on athletic performance and on health is described more in these articles.
So, in the week and parties ahead try moderating alcohol intake by:
- Measuring alcohol carefully
- Adding 8 oz. of water between adult beverages
- Including food in your day
- Practicing a convincing “No thank you” for when you are offered another drink
The tips above are from the National Institutes of Health. In addition, you can also try lower alcohol cocktails, such as these.
Happy and healthful eating,
Donna G. Pertel, MEd, RD, LDN