Intermittent fasting tip number 46 is for those who are just getting started with intermittent fasting. Coach Tadris Parker has personally tested this recommendation and a hundred other health tips commonly shared in the running and fitness world. Listen to the audio clip below to hear his take on why you should avoid all alcohol when fasting or running for weight loss. Learn all about this at Keep Calm and Run To The Best You!

Alcohol is one of the worst things you can ingest during your eating window if you’re using IF. Alcohol will dehydrate you quickly and is full of empty calories, which is a waste. You are better off to avoid alcohol completely when using an intermittent fasting method.

Tip 46. 6 Reasons to Avoid All Alcohol (intermittent fasting)

If you’re using intermittent fasting as a method for weight loss, you should know that it’s not just about when you eat or drink - it also matters what you eat or drink. Drinking alcohol is counterproductive to health and weight loss for multiple reasons. Find out why!

6 Reasons to Avoid All Alcohol when Intermittent Fasting

While some doctors do encourage drinking one glass of wine a day, at Keep Calm And Run To The Best You we strongly advise against drinking alcohol regularly. Whether you’re intermittent fasting for health, trying to lose weight, or establishing a running and fitness routine, here are 6 reasons to avoid all alcohol in your diet:

1. Alcohol is full of empty calories. 

Obviously, it’s a no-no during your fasting window because alcohol has calories - unlike water, plain tea and black coffee. It’s also highly recommended that you avoid all alcohol even during your eating window because alcohol is high in calories but offers no nutritional value. Intermittent fasting, done correctly, requires you to consume high quality foods in a smaller window to prevent your metabolism from slowing down. Wasting space on alcohol is not wise during IF.

2. Alcohol is a diuretic, and athletes need hydration.

Alcohol dehydrates, which is bad news for athletes and practitioners of intermittent fasting. Hydration is key to cardiovascular and cellular health. Become dehydrated and you will be prone to side effects like reduced stamina, cramps and pain, and debilitating headaches. Headaches are associated with a hangover, but can be triggered by just a glass or two of alcohol. Some adult beverages are more of a diuretic than others. Hard liquors and wines have more of a dehydrating effect than beers and ciders. Never consume alcohol unless you’re well hydrated to start. Drink plenty of water afterwards to protect yourself.

3. Overeating goes hand in hand with drinking alcohol. 

People tend to overeat either during or after consuming alcohol, according to this study from 2017. You’re more likely to eat junk food with alcohol (or afterwards, while under the influence) which is another reason to avoid booze when trying to lose weight. Who orders a salad or a healthy meal when they’re throwing back drinks? No one. It’s an open door to pigging out on fried foods and greasy platters, so avoid ordering alcoholic beverages when you go out to eat.

4. Alcohol is hard on your organs.

This is something everyone of drinking age should know: alcohol is very bad for your organs. Your liver and kidneys have to work extremely hard to rid your body of alcohol, because alcohol is toxic and it’s treated as such. Mentally, it’s bad for your brain, too. Even if you feel relaxed, your internal situation is more dire than you think when you consume an excessive amount of alcohol. If you’re running, dieting, or intermittent fasting, you should take care of your body inside and out. Alcohol is not your friend.

5. Alcohol will lower your willpower. 

There’s a reason why alcohol is stereotypically linked to bums and to the ultra-rich. If you are a working class adult somewhere in the middle, you need all of the energy and willpower that you can muster to keep things going. Alcohol lowers your stamina and willpower. Unless you’re unemployed and/or bored, there’s no appeal in lowering your stamina and willpower! Do yourself a favor and drink sparkling water instead. An occasional drink may not throw you off, but regular alcohol use will be an obstacle to your success. What is the point of toasting to health and wellness if you’ve got a glass full of a toxic, sugary drink?

6. Alcohol is highly addictive.

Whether or not you have a history of alcoholism, the risk of addiction should be taken seriously. Health and wellness is centered around balance and mindfulness, not addiction. Even those who are religiously committed to their IF plans and exercise routines cannot go into auto-pilot. We want to practice mindfulness, balance, and self control. Avoid all types of addiction, especially addiction to something dangerous and potentially lethal such as alcohol.

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At Keep Calm and Run To The Best You, we are actively helping people from all walks of life to get healthier and happier in the body they’ve got! We’ve collected advice from professionals, combed through archives, and gathered insights from our group members. Click here to see the rest of our 101 health tips about running, intermittent fasting, and weight loss.

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