Cheers! Summer is almost here!

Memorial Day is right around the corner and while our celebrations may look a little different this year, many of you will still be thinking about that nice cold cocktail! Not many things signify that shift into vacation mode mindset more than a colorful umbrella drink!

Here is something to think about. Maybe this is an opportunity to not only adjust the celebrations but also our approach to alcohol and how often we reach for it. It is the subject of one of the most frequent questions coaches get,

“Can I drink alcohol in the FASTer Way lifestyle?” 

We suggest that you avoid alcohol. Why? Your body will metabolize alcohol first and above everything else. You won’t be burning fat before you burn those happy hour cocktails. Your system will be processing alcohol for 24 hours. The breakdown takes so long because alcohol is digested as a fat within your body and the sugars first need to get turned into fatty acids. 

When your body metabolizes the beautiful, colorful, nutrient-rich whole foods that we focus on in the FASTer Way, you are doing your body good. You are giving your body the fuel it needs to build lean muscle and maximize metabolism. In contrast, when you feed your body alcohol you are providing no value to your body because there are zero nutrients in alcohol. You’re just creating more work for your digestive system with no reward! You also may give yourself a hangover in the morning.

There is more! According to an article by Johns Hopkins Medicine, the effect of alcohol goes way beyond our brains and the carefree feeling we think we are getting from those beverages. Alcohol also affects our hormones, our blood chemistry, our sleep-wake cycle, and it can encourage inflammatory chemical production within our systems. 

We simply cannot drink a glass of alcohol every night and believe we are giving ourselves the greatest chance at fighting off illness, building a physique of lean and toned muscle, or even showing up as our best selves. Let’s also be clear about something. Whatever stress and frustration we are trying to drink away is still going to be there when we wake up the next day. There are much healthier options for stress relief (hint hint - like your FASTer Way workouts!). 

However, we are realistic and do know there are times that many of us are going to want to grab a glass and enjoy. We recommend making sure you REALLY want to have that drink to enjoy and not to fit-in with those around you or to ease the tensions of the day. Another suggestion is to plan ahead and add it to your macros. Even better, save it for Leg Day as a treat. There are ways to count it towards your macros and your FASTer Way Coach can show you how to do so.

We also highly suggest… MOCKTAILS! When it comes to mocktails, sparkling water and garnishes (think tiny umbrella) are where it’s at! You can take any sparkling water flavor and add fruit, mint leaves, or fancy ice cubes. Another way to enhance your mocktail mindset is with the glass you choose! Use your favorite wine or cocktail glass and own it!

If it’s party time and you are looking to impress a few friends with a pitcher of party perfection, we have some tasty mocktail inspiration! 

ORANGE CRUSH MOCKTAIL

MARGAMELON MOCKTAIL

Are you ready to feel amazing this summer and take care of yourself both physically and mentally? JOIN US for our next round of FASTer Way! When you sign up, you’ll have access to more helpful resources like this one, to help you stay on top of your health and fitness goals!

Guest Post by Bianca Oberhelman, FASTer Way Certified Coach (@tobeestrong)