How summer cocktails can affect your fitness goals
Summer is the time for barbecues, pool parties, weddings, camping, and vacations. It's also the time those mouthwatering cocktails start calling us in. We're not here to tell you to completely ignore that sweet call, who wouldn't want to chill out with a mojito on vacation? But since we're here to help you reach your fullest potential, we'll be sharing some facts and alternatives.
Summer cocktail and fitness routine
Alcohol has a huge impact on physical activity, so this is not breaking news. But if you need a reason to swap booze for a healthy sip this summer, we've got some for you.
1- dehydration
Most hangover symptoms are a direct result of dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, so although these cocktails look (and taste) beautifully fruity and juicy, spirits or wine mixed with them drain moisture from the body. It also increases heart rate and body temperature, making you sweat more during exercise and increasing dehydration.
2 - muscle cramps
Summer cocktails can cause cramps, thanks to the buildup of lactic acid found in alcohol. If you practice the next day for a drink in the park, you may experience more discomfort. In addition, it is difficult to build and repair muscle after drinking, due to the decrease in growth hormones.
3 - ears of sugar
That's right, the sexiest cocktails are often the prettiest. Drinking drinks with a high glycemic index quickly turn into glucose once it's digested. This leads to inflammation, water retention, bloating and fatigue, which is definitely not a recipe for a successful workout.
4 - low performance
Studies have shown that alcohol can reduce athletic performance by 11.4%. Additionally, alcohol consumption is more likely to result in sports-related injuries, with the incidence being 54.8% among alcohol drinkers versus 23.5% among non-alcoholic drinkers.
5- Metabolism is slower
Your digestive system becomes sluggish in the face of all these cocktails, which reduces the rate at which your body absorbs essential nutrients and slows down your metabolism. To avoid straining your stomach with alcohol, try mocktails instead. In case you didn't know, mocktails are a great way to make a delicious non-alcoholic drink. Instead, try eating nutrient-dense foods before drinking alcohol.
So, what is the alternative?
There are many ways to relax and cool off in the summer. The first, and perhaps the simplest, is to drink more water. Especially among alcoholic drinks. It will help you fight the dreaded dehydration and better regulate your body temperature.
Second, as mentioned earlier, switching to mocktails is a great way to enjoy the flavor without the effects of alcohol. From watermelon mojitos to fizzy punches, there is no end to the refreshing non-alcoholic recipes.
Third, if you don't want to go without alcohol, there are low-sugar and low-calorie cocktails to try. Avoid juices and syrups, especially if you plan to exercise in the days following consumption. Try sugar-free mixes like soda or sparkling water, replace your old-fashioned sugar cube with maple syrup, and opt for naturally low-sugar cocktails like Bloody Marys.
Finally, don't overthink it. It's okay to relax and enjoy good summer cocktails. Anything in moderation is always the most successful route, and with a good education on alcohol and fitness, you can unwind with a refreshing cocktail on vacation without overdoing it.
