By Ricky Kuntemeyer

For a better understanding and a more thorough conversation on this topic, listen to the episode of The Fitness Compass Podcast below:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tfc-podcast-episode-30-alcohol/id1158719962?i=1000386128380&mt=2

SoundCloud:

Can you still drink a beer here and there and still stay in great shape? The answer is yes.

As I write this post, I am sitting at a brewery enjoying a tall glass of brew after a long day at work. However, there are particular aspects of drinking you ought to consider before consuming your favorite cocktail.

1. Drinking alcohol before any performance WILL decrease performance outcome. Although alcohol decreases stress, it will decrease the physiological components that relate to optimal performance. It will dehydrate you, decrease in oxygen and nutrition transportation, and cognitive skills will be impaired.

2. Alcohol decreases testosterone production. So, for all you guys out there, know that binge drinking and prior alcohol drinking will decrease lean muscle mass as well as recovery following a workout.

3. Alcohol is NOT nutritious. Containing 7 calories per gram, alcohol is LOADED with empty calories that are not used efficiently as energy for the body. Also, due to the chemical makeup of alcohol, it does require your body an absurd amount of energy to process it. Due to this, consuming alcohol will take precious calories away from other bodily functions.

So go out there a have a cold one with your friends, just know what you are putting in your body and the repercussions.

Drink responsibly, my friend.

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Ricky Kuntemeyer & Chuck Hewett
The Fitness Compass
www.thefitnesscompass.org