NUTRITION
The Booze Question Recent headlines about alcohol might have you convinced that drinking and an active lifestyle don’t mix. So, is there such a thing as a happy hour for women who work out? The answer might surprise you. WRITTEN BY KASIA WIND
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STRONGFITNESSMAG.COM.AU
Because you’re conscious of your health and determined not to backtrack your fitness, chances are you agonise over the choice to sip or sit out at barbecues and Sunday sessions – and recent headlines aren’t taking the pressure off. Modern studies have linked heavy drinking to arterial stiffness and heart disease, have suggested that a daily glass of white wine may raise melanoma risk by 13 per cent, have found that just the smell of alcohol can impact self-control, and have even reported that previous findings showing the potential benefits of occasional drinking, such as longevity, were flawed in their design.
But the most significant buzz around booze came from a study published in October 2016 in the journal BMJ Open, which found women are catching up to men’s drinking habits at an unprecedented rate, drinking nearly as much as the guys do, and experiencing similar levels of alcohol-related problems. That’s a lot to think about once the cocktails make their appearance at your friend’s backyard gathering. But, while the health consequences of alcohol should always be considered and discussed with your health professional, it doesn’t mean that you need to pass up every opportunity to raise a glass while the weather
is still warm – especially if you’re otherwise healthy.
Moderation is key Experts on training and alcohol agree that, with low to moderate consumption, drinking and fitness can co-exist. “Obviously, drinking every day is bad for business,” says PhD candidate Jakob Vingren, who is an Associate Professor at the University of North Texas and who studies alcohol’s impact on exercise. “But having a drink or two on occasion, I don’t think is a problem.” The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines binge drinking as more than five drinks in a night for women,
February/March 2020
