Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunner010
I try to keep my drinking in moderation, but I'm a college student and well...like to drink as much as any other college kid.
I'm curious as to how bad it is for you as far as how it affects muscle gain. I have a 6% body fat percentage and am not trying to take off fat or anything like that...primarily build muscle.
Any input is appreciated. Thanks
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I know exactly where you're coming from. I also enjoy my beer, and indulge a little too often, perhaps. Yes, drinking will interfere with your training, just as not drinking may impact on your social life. As with all things, you need balance in life.
An option is to switch to light beer (2% alcohol) which means that you can have almost three times as much for the same negative effects. I know it doesn't taste as good, but you do get used to it quickly.
With regards to your diet, alcohol contains 7 kCal per gram (which is only slightly less than pure fat or oil, which contains 9 kCal per gram.) Think of it this way - every time you have a whiskey, it's pretty much like drinking half oil mixed with half water in terms of calories. Your body uses alcohol preferentially as an energy source, which also means any carbs you eat while drinking will be stored as fat.
Alcohol also inhibits the production of growth hormone, which will minimize the effects of training, especially if you indulge heavily on training days. However, one or two beers alone will not be severe. As soon as the alcohol starts affecting your body in a noticable way, however, you are compromising muscle growth.
That being said, your workouts will not be in vain if you continue drinking heavily. The benefits of weight training will, to a large extent, minimize the danmage done by alcohol, and you will be in a much better shape physically years from now than someone who drinks and does not exercise.
It all boils down to priorities. You need to decide whether your body is more important than your social life (and mental wellbeing) at this stage of your life. Neglecting either one will harm you in some way or the other. Find a balance, and consider what options are available to minimize the effects of the alcohol - light beers, limiting your intake etc.
It is not an easy decision, and there is no right answer. Sit down with a pen and paper and write down the positives and negatives of both options. Come to your own conclusion. Then make a decision, and stick to what you decide.
Effects of alcohol on my diet?
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