​Overview

Drinking alcohol is a favorite pastime for humans, both socially and culturally.

Some studies suggest that alcohol can have health benefits. For example, red wine may lower your risk for heart disease.

However, alcohol also plays a large role in weight management.

Anyone looking to drop those final stubborn pounds may want to consider skipping their evening glass of wine.

Here are eight ways alcohol can impede your weight loss and what you should drink instead.

How alcohol affects your weight loss

1. Alcohol is often “empty” calories
Alcoholic drinks are often referred to as “empty” calories. This means that they provide your body with calories but contain very little nutrients.

There are almost 155 calories in one 12-ounce can of beer, and 125 calories in a 5-ounce glass of red wine. By comparison, a recommended afternoon snack should have between 150 and 200 calories. A night out with several drinks can lead to consuming a few hundred extra calories.

Drinks that have mixers, such as fruit juice or soda, contain even more calories.

2. Alcohol is used as a primary source of fuel
There are also other elements that can cause weight gain outside of calorie content.

When alcohol is consumed, it’s burned first as a fuel source before your body uses anything else. This includes glucose from carbohydrates or lipids from fats.

When your body is using alcohol as a primary source of energy, the excess glucose and lipids end up, unfortunately for us, as adipose tissue, or fat.

3. Alcohol can affect your organs
The primary role of your liver is to act as the “filter” for any foreign substances that enter your body, such as drugs and alcohol. The liver also plays a role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Excess alcohol consumption can lead to what is known as alcoholic fatty liver.

This condition can damage your liver, affecting the way your body metabolizes and stores carbohydrates and fats.
Changes in the way your body stores energy from food can make it very difficult to lose weight.

4. Alcohol can contribute to excess belly fat
The “beer gut” isn’t just a myth.

Foods high in simple sugars, such as those found in candy, soda, and even beer, are also high in calories. Extra calories end up stored as fat in the body.

Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar can quickly lead to weight gain.

We can’t choose where all that extra weight ends up. But the body tends to accumulate fat in the abdominal area.

5. Alcohol affects judgment calls… especially with food
Even the most die-hard diet fan will have a hard time fighting the urge to dig in when intoxicated.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can lead to poor decision-making in the heat of the moment — especially when it comes to food choices.
However, the effects of alcohol surpass even social drinking etiquette.

A recent animal study found that mice given ethanol over a period of three days demonstrated a significant increase in food intake. This study suggests that alcohol can actually trigger hunger signals in the brain, leading to an increased urge to eat more food.

6. Alcohol and sex hormones
It’s long been known that alcohol intake can affect levels of hormones in the body, especially testosterone.

Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays a role in many metabolic processes, including muscle formation and fat burning capabilities.

One study found that low testosterone levels may predict the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in men. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by:

• high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• high blood sugar levels
• high body mass index

Plus, lower testosterone levels may affect quality of sleep, especially in older men.

7. Alcohol can negatively affect your sleep
A nightcap before bed may sound like a ticket to a good night’s rest but you may want to reconsider.

Research suggests that alcohol can lead to increased periods of wakefulness during sleep cycles.

Sleep deprivation, whether from lack of sleep or impaired sleep, can lead to an imbalance in the hormones related to hunger, satiety, and energy storage.

8. Alcohol affects digestion and nutrient uptake
Your social anxiety isn’t the only thing that alcohol inhibits. Intake of alcoholic beverages can also inhibit proper digestive function.

Alcohol can cause stress on the stomach and the intestines. This leads to decreased digestive secretions and movement of food through the tract.

Digestive secretions are an essential element of healthy digestion. They break down food into the basic macro- and micronutrients that are absorbed and used by the body.

Alcohol intake of all levels can lead to impaired digestion and absorption of these nutrients. This can greatly affect the metabolism of organs that play a role in weight management.

"Your why" in fitness is the deep, personal reason driving your goals, the core motivation beyond just "losing weight" or "getting fit," often involving values like confidence, energy, longevity, or setting an example, and it's found by repeatedly asking "why" until you hit an emotional core, like wanting to fully enjoy life without insecurity or feel capable in your daily activities. It's your anchor for long-term commitment, helping you push through plateaus and obstacles by connecting your daily actions to a meaningful purpose. 

How to find your fitness "why"

• Use the 5 Whys technique: Start with a goal (e.g., "I want to exercise more") and ask "why" to each answer until you reach a fundamental value.
  • Why do I want to exercise? Because I want to feel healthier.
  • Why do I want to feel healthier? Because I want more energy to play with my kids.
  • Why do I want more energy? So I can be present and not feel tired all the time.
  • Why? Because I want to fully enjoy my life and be a good role model.
• Consider the benefits: Think about the positive changes you want to feel (more confidence, less stress, better sleep) or the negative things you want to avoid (chronic disease, loss of mobility).
• Identify your pain: What problems does a lack of fitness cause? What would happen if you didn't take action

Why It Matters

• Motivation: Your "why" provides intrinsic motivation, driving you from within, not just external pressure.
• Focus: It keeps you focused on the bigger picture during challenging times.
• Resilience: It helps you overcome obstacles and setbacks.
• Consistency: It turns fitness into a sustainable lifestyle rather than a short-term fix. 

​​Becoming disciplined with fitness means creating consistent routines, starting small, habit stacking, planning ahead to remove excuses, understanding your core "why" and focusing on small, progressive wins over perfection, turning effort into a sustainable habit that builds mental resilience and self-trust. It's about showing up when motivation fades, making fitness an act of self-love through consistent action. 

Core Strategies for Building Discipline

• Create a Routine & Plan: Schedule workouts like non-negotiable appointments and plan your gear the night before to eliminate excuses.
• Start Small & Stack Habits: Begin with manageable actions, then attach new habits to existing ones (e.g., "After I make coffee, I'll take my vitamins").
• Find Your "Why": Connect to a deep reason for exercising to fuel you when things get tough.
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrate small wins (like completing a week) to build confidence, not just big results.
• Make it Enjoyable: Experiment with activities you genuinely like to make consistency easier and more fun.
• Track & Visualize Goals: Write down goals and post them where you'll see them often to keep your intentions top-of-mind.
• Build Self-Awareness: Understand your triggers, weaknesses, and motivations to plan around them. 

Mindset & Accountability

• Embrace Discomfort: Discipline grows when you push past the initial resistance.
• Accountability: Share your goals with friends or family, or find a workout buddy to stay committed.
• Lifestyle Over Quick Fixes: Aim for sustainable changes that become part of your overall lifestyle, not just a short-term fix. 

Practical Tips

• Workout in the Morning: Gets it done before other demands arise.
• Plan for Weaknesses: Identify your biggest excuses and create a specific plan to overcome them.
• Rest is Part of the Plan: Schedule rest days to avoid burnout and allow for recovery. 

​To make time for fitness during the holidays, schedule short, intense workouts, incorporate movement into family activities (like walks or active games), focus on maintaining fitness rather than breaking records, use bodyweight exercises at home or while traveling, and stay consistent with small bursts of activity, even just 10 minutes at a time. Prioritize sleep and hydration, and view movement as self-care to navigate the festive chaos. 

Plan & Schedule

• Schedule workouts like appointments: Put them in your calendar to give them importance.
• Morning workouts: Beat the evening rush and potential disruptions by exercising early.
• Be flexible: Aim for consistency over intensity; shorter, high-intensity sessions are still effective. 

Integrate Activity into the Holidays

• Family fun: Organize post-dinner walks, ice skating, or backyard games.
• Active errands: Park farther away, take the stairs, or walk around malls while looking at decorations.
• Seasonal activities: Go hiking, sledding, or skiing if weather permits. 

Workout Smart

• Short bursts: Do 4-minute high-intensity intervals or 10-minute activity blocks throughout the day.
• Bodyweight exercises: Use squats, push-ups, planks, and jumping jacks in your hotel or home.
• Travel-friendly: Pack resistance bands or use free virtual classes (like those from YMCA or Wellbeats). 

Mindset & Support

• Realistic goals: Focus on maintenance and consistency, not new personal records.
• Stay hydrated & nourished: Drink water and don't skip meals to avoid overindulging later.
• Find a buddy: An accountability partner makes it easier to stick with your plan.
• Enjoy in moderation: Allow yourself treats but balance them with healthy choices. ​

​To avoid holiday weight gain, stay active with daily movement, prioritize protein and veggies, don't skip meals (especially breakfast), choose water over sugary drinks, get enough sleep, and plan ahead by eating a healthy snack before parties to prevent overeating, allowing small indulgences without deprivation for balance. Mindful eating, portion control, and keeping healthy snacks on hand are key to navigating feasts and treats. ​

At Parties & Meals

• Eat Beforehand: Have a high-protein snack (like Greek yogurt or a shake) before a party to curb extreme hunger and overeating.
• Fill Up on Veggies First: Load half your plate with vegetables and lean protein before touching carbs or desserts.
• Portion Control: Use a smaller plate, eat slowly, and don't go back for seconds immediately.
• Be Selective with Treats: Choose the few treats you truly crave and savor them, rather than eating mindlessly.
• Watch Liquid Calories: Stick to water, diet sodas, or spirits with club soda; limit sugary drinks and alcohol. 

Your morning coffee might be making you gain weight, not from the coffee itself (black coffee can even boost metabolism!), but from high-calorie additions like sugar, syrups, cream, or whipped cream, which add excess calories, fat, and sugar, or by raising cortisol levels (stress hormone) and disrupting sleep, leading to increased appetite and fat storage, especially around the belly. 

Why Coffee Can Contribute to Weight Gain:

1. High-Calorie Additives: The biggest culprit is what you put in your coffee. Sugary syrups, flavored creamers (like French Vanilla), whipped cream, and even whole milk add significant calories, fat, and sugar, turning a simple drink into a high-calorie treat.
2. Cortisol & Stress: Caffeine can raise cortisol, the stress hormone. Chronically high cortisol can increase appetite, slow metabolism, and promote fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area.
3. Poor Sleep: Drinking caffeine too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep. Lack of quality sleep is linked to increased hunger hormones and weight gain.
4. Appetite & Cravings: Caffeine can sometimes trigger blood sugar drops (hypoglycemia), leading to cravings for high-calorie, sugary foods.
5. "Coffee Pairings": The pastry or muffin often enjoyed with coffee adds substantial calories and sugar, contributing to overall weight gain. 

What About Black Coffee?

• Metabolism Boost: Plain black coffee has minimal calories and caffeine can actually boost your metabolism and fat burning.
• Appetite Suppression: It can slightly suppress appetite and make you feel fuller. 

How to Prevent Weight Gain:

• Cut the Sugar & Syrups: Opt for unsweetened milk alternatives (almond, oat) or a splash of regular milk instead of sugary creamers.
• Be Mindful of Add-ins: Limit whipped cream, caramel drizzles, and butter.
• Watch the Timing: Avoid coffee in the late afternoon or evening to protect your sleep.
• Balance Your Diet: Enjoy coffee as part of a balanced diet, not as a meal replacement or a license for unhealthy snacks. ​

​To maintain fitness during the holidays, prioritize short, scheduled workouts, and incorporate daily movement like walking or taking the stairs. Stay consistent by not skipping meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Be realistic with your goals and don't aim for perfection; focus on mindful eating and finding creative ways to stay active that fit your busy schedule. 


Plan and schedule your workouts

• Schedule them in advance: Treat your workouts like any other important appointment and add them to your calendar.
• Keep them short and efficient: Try high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or circuit workouts for a quick, effective session.
• Set realistic goals: Understand that your routine may not be perfect, but a few short workouts are better than none. 

Move more throughout the day 

• Integrate activity into your routine: Park farther away, take the stairs, or walk around the mall while you shop. 
• Walk whenever possible: Take a walk in the morning or evening, or go for a winter hike or ice skating if the weather allows. 
• Get creative: Try home workouts using exercise videos or apps, or incorporate activity into family visits, like a dance party or active games. 

Manage your food and hydration 

• Don't skip meals: Eating regular meals can help prevent overeating at holiday gatherings. 
• Prioritize healthy options: Fill up on vegetables first at meals to manage portions. 
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support overall health. 
• Indulge in moderation: Enjoy holiday treats, but do so mindfully and not all season long. 

Focus on overall well-being

• Prioritize sleep: Aim for enough rest, as late nights can make it harder to stick to your goals. 
• Find a workout buddy: Having a partner can help you stay motivated and accountable. 
• Be flexible: Don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a workout or overeat. Just get back on track with your next meal or workout. 

​Choose Your Hard: Prioritizing Health and Exercise

Life is full of choices, each presenting its own set of challenges and rewards. Whether it’s personal growth, professional advancement, or simply navigating day-to-day activities, every path we choose comes with its own unique difficulties. The concept of “choosing your hard” encourages us to acknowledge that while all choices are tough, we have the power to decide which difficulties we want to tackle. 

In the context of the gym, embracing the concept of “choose your hard” is about deciding to face the challenges of a healthy lifestyle rather than the inevitable hardships that come with poor health. 

• Exercise is hard. Maintaining a consistent workout routine requires discipline, effort, and time.
• Being unhealthy is hard. Dealing with chronic illnesses, lack of energy, and the emotional toll of poor health can be even more challenging.

Reframing what it means to choose your hard can transform your approach to fitness and overall well-being, leading to a more intentional and fulfilling journey.

The Benefits of Choosing Health and Exercise

1. Empowerment Through Choice
Choosing to prioritize your health empowers you to take control of your well-being. Instead of feeling at the mercy of health issues, you actively decide to invest in your body and mind. This sense of agency can be incredibly motivating and uplifting.

2. Alignment with Long-Term Well-Being
When you commit to exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you align your actions with the goal of long-term wellness. The short-term discomfort of a workout is outweighed by the long-term benefits of increased energy, better mood, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

3. Personal Growth and Resilience
Leaning into challenges fosters personal growth. Overcoming the initial inertia and pushing through difficult workouts builds physical and mental resilience. This resilience spills over into other areas of life, making you more capable of handling various stressors.

4. Avoiding Health-Related Regrets
By choosing to focus on your health now, you can avoid future regrets associated with preventable health issues. Taking proactive steps to maintain your fitness helps ensure you won’t look back wishing you had taken better care of your body.

Make Choosing Hard Easier:

1. Identify Your Motivation
Start by understanding what drives you. Do you want to be more active with your kids? Do you aim to reduce stress or improve your mood? Identifying your personal reasons for prioritizing health can provide powerful motivation.

2. Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable, realistic goals that align with your current fitness level and lifestyle. Whether it’s walking 30 minutes a day, committing to attending 3 classes a week, or joining run club, having clear objectives helps you stay focused and motivated.

3. Create a Plan
Develop a plan that incorporates your fitness goals into your daily routine. Schedule workouts like appointments, prepare healthy meals in advance, and track your progress. A structured plan makes it easier to stay committed.

4. Seek Support and Accountability
Find support from your fellow members and the coaches at the gym. Having accountability within the community can make a significant difference in staying motivated and overcoming challenges.

Embracing the Journey

Choosing the hard of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not just about enduring workouts and healthy eating; it’s about embracing a journey that leads to a more vibrant and fulfilling life. 

Remember, the next time you’re faced with the decision to exercise or skip it, consider which hard you’re willing to choose. By consciously opting for the challenges of a healthy lifestyle, you’re not just enduring hardship; you’re actively shaping a healthier, happier future. Lean into the hard choices, your future will thank you!