Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream almost immediately rather than staying in the stomach like food, so you certainly aren't going to feel full after drinking any. Add alcohol to a night out with dinner and your calorie consumption is through the roof. The worst part about alcohol is that it is a depressant, which means it will slow down your metabolism . When you drink alcohol, your liver, which usually metabolizes fat, is forced to deal with the alcohol right away, and the fat accumulates in huge stockpiles . The liver is the only organ whose cells can burn alcohol for fuel, while all other cells in the body are affected by it, they can't help get rid of it.
Brain cells are very vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.
The brain needs niacin and thiamin to convert glucose to a usable energy form, and alcohol grabs all supplies of both of these B vitamins. Keep in mind that the effects of alcohol can linger in the body for several days, which can dramatically affect your workouts. Decide whether it's worth 2-3 under par workouts, which means less fat and calories burned, along with the high calories of alcohol and all the other side effects listed above, before you indulge in a drink or two. Copyright 1999 The Motivation Station. All rights reserved.