Counting calories and trying to stay within the recommended daily amount can be a great way to lose some weight. For many people who drink alcohol, however, it can be difficult to stay within a calorie limit and still consume adequate nutrition throughout your day. Alcoholic drinks are packed with sugar and calories that wreak all sorts of havoc on your health and fitness goals, yet we often conveniently forget to cut the booze when we start trying to live a healthier lifestyle. If you drink in excess or have developed an addiction, giving up alcohol may require a serious commitment and external help, but your body and your waistline will ultimately thank you. The recommended daily calorie intake for the average adult is 2000. This varies depending on your gender, size, and activity level. If you are trying to lose weight, it can be difficult to stay within a certain calorie limit even without the addition of the empty calories found in alcohol. For people who drink alcohol every day, these extra calories can add up to the equivalent of an entire meal, and a large one at that. For example, if you drink six light beers a night, which is considered excessive but not necessarily unheard of, you are ingesting the same number of calories as you would if you picked up a late-night burger and fries. For wine drinkers, it can be easy to justify your drinking by pointing to the health benefits of wine, although there are few and they don’t apply to those who drink in excess. But even wine contains about 500 calories a bottle, or the equivalent of a pint of ice cream. Liquor is not an exception to the rule, weighing in at around 65 calories per ounce, depending on the type, and much more per drink if you are using sweet mixers. Regardless of your drink choice, alcohol is packed with unnecessary calories and no nutritional value, and can lead to a variety of health problem, along with causing weight gain.
If you believe you may be addicted to alcohol, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.