Alcohol

     This is such a touchy subject, but in fitness, there's only one right answer regarding the use of this substance. Alcohol is detrimental to any fitness programs or goals. Period. It has several effects, none of which accelerate fat loss or help build muscle. This means its consumption is counterproductive to my goals.

Negatives:

• Slows metabolism
• Has empty calories
• Lowers inhibitions, such as willpower to refrain from straying from diet
• Body feels lousy after consumption, and workouts suffer the next day

     These are just a FEW of the negatives I experience, without the scientific citations to back up additional claims about the detrimental effects, I don't want to list more. 

     Knowing the negative effects alcohol has on my fitness, I decided to stop drinking ANY alcohol for the  first month of the new year. It has been eye opening for several reasons. I have been upset to learn how hard it is for me to abstain continuously from alcohol. I do not know if it is something inherent inside me, or if it is simply because our adult American culture is pervaded by alcohol. The longer I avoid drinking, the more I realize how ingrained in our society alcohol is.

     It's there at breakfasts, in Bloody Marys and Mimosas. It's certainly there for brunch. It's a beer at lunch, or to accompany watching football. It's the thought of a glass of wine as you destress in a bubble bath. It's on every television commercial set, it's on every television show. We celebrate with alcohol, we socialize with alcohol, we destress with alcohol. Alcohol is as inherent to watching sporting events as consuming water is to participate in them.

     I do not believe I am an alcoholic, but I deeply believe our culture is. Obviously it is possible to choose to avoid it, but there is almost a stigma against those who choose to avoid alcohol as a lifestyle. The perception "Ooh, are they an alcoholic?" or "Are they hiding a pregnancy?" or "Maybe they just can't handle their liquor," all carry negative or judgmental connotations. Then, if it's determined that a person avoids alcohol for fitness reasons, there is a defensiveness to contend with. "Huh, so if I drink, do they think I'm not fit? Do they think they're better than me? How self-righteous."

     I was actually called "self righteous" by a close friend as I reflected out loud on the pervasiveness of alcohol in our society. I don't in any way intend to come across as self-righteous, I'm just trying to explore the balance of societal implications versus my own nature. It bothers me that avoiding alcohol has been so hard. I'm bothered by looking forward so much to the day when I've decided I'm going to have my next drink (set because I'm going to a particular event where yes, I would like to drink). It bothers me to consider that I do see alcohol consumption as a fun part of my lifestyle. It's like in high school, where the DARE officers tried to emphasize that you CAN have fun without alcohol. It bothers me that it seems much of our society has forgotten that.

     If I'm going to continue on my fitness journey, I have learned that my progress will be intensely accelerated by avoiding drinking. I have learned that I am able to avoid drinking, and while it is challenging, I know now that I CAN do it. I'm excited to see how my body continues to change for the better, and I'm more than thrilled to treat myself to an endorphin rush instead of a cocktail as rewards for my progress. That said, I'll know I can enjoy the occasional adult beverage without the worry it will derail my fitness goals, because forward motion won't be halted by minor trips.