Can I Drink and Be Fit?

I have struggled with whether to write this blog for awhile because I don’t want my readers to think that I’m promoting alcohol consumption, or that I’m bashing people who choose to not drink…neither are the case. I simply want share my views on the topic and what works for me.

When you hear the words alcohol and fitness in the same sentence it usually has a negative connotation. This seems to be a struggle for a lot of people who want to get lean but also don’t want to give up their social schedule. Most of you who’ve followed me for awhile (or even a few weeks) know that I like a good cocktail, but you also know that I like to be fit and healthy. What!? A fitness professional that admits to drinking and liking it? GASP!!

Know that I’m not talking about the alcoholic type drinking, we’re not going on a binder here and expecting that to be OK…we’re talking social drinking. One of the biggest questions I get asked is “how do you drink and stay in shape?”, the answer is quite simple: moderation. 

Being healthy and fit is something that has always been very important me, and something that always will be. So is living and fully experiencing life. Not everything you do has to be “perfect” inorder for you to achieve your health goals and be fit. You’ll go crazy thinking that way! What is perfect anyways? Your exercise and diet should become a part of what you do, but not at the expense of who you are! 

I very much enjoy grabbing cocktails with friends, trying out new restaurants and exploring new places in the city. I shouldn’t have to feel guilty about that, and I don’t. I bust my ass, eat healthy and get regular exercise, I will NEVER shame myself for coming home at night and popping a bottle of wine. To me, that’s my “me time”.

If you have no problem cutting out alcohol, that’s great! You like alcohol and want to drink it, thats great too! For those of you who do, here are some tips I use for staying lean and while still enjoying alcohol beverages a few times a week.

TIP 1: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STAY AWAY FROM MIXED DRINKS! This includes but is not limited to anything with syrups, sugar, fruit juice, soda (or as my northern folk say “pop”), tonic water, sour mix, mix of any kind, and for those of you in the south…bushwhackers. 

TIP 2: DO DRINK the following: Wine, Whiskey, Brandy, Cognac, Vodka, Tequila. Mix with water or soda water, garnish with lime or lemon. You save a TON of calories. 

TIP 3: DON’T drink flavored alcohol. Loaded with artificial sugar and ingredients you can’t pronounce. To my college friends, sorry, RIP Three Olives Bubble Gum. 

TIP 4: I love hosting and making cool cocktails. All of the cocktails I make are homemade so I know EXACTLY what’s in them…which is all natural ingredients and no added crap or calories. Take margaritas for instance, the standard margarita you order at a bar or restaurant has an insane amount of calories because of the sour mix and sugar. Instead of giving up margaritas order without the sour mix, ask for just tequila and fresh squeezed lime juice! OR make my bomb Skinny Margaritas. You should definitely make them!

TIP 5: Get a good workout in if you know you’re going to be drinking that night, and make sure to follow up with at least some light exercise the next day. Your body will thank you.

TIP 6: If your job calls for a lot of social events/happy hours, limit yourself to 1-2 drinks per event. Drink water in between drinks, eat a hearty healthy meal and sip slowly.

TIP 7: AVOID THE MUNCHIES! This will wreck havoc on you. 

TIP 8: Cut the beer. This may be a “do as I say, not as I do” kind of thing...sort of. The only beer I drink and that sits well with me is Corona Light, and I’ve yet to give it up. (but I do limit myself) You’re much better off going with TIP 2!  

TIP 9: KNOW YOUR BODY AND WHAT YOUR GOALS ARE. Just as we all metabolize and store fat differently from the food we eat, the same goes for alcohol. Know your threshold, what works for you, and matches your goals!

I hope this answers a lot of the questions yall have asked me, if you have anything else please leave it in the comment section below. 

Cheers to good health!

XO,

Colleen