PTfit Daily - Carbs Before Drinking Alcohol?

Over the last four years, I have learned the in's and out's of alcohol and food consumption while trying to decrease body fat.

Just recently, I cut down from 179lb to 165lb for a powerlifting competition.

The Saturday night before my weigh in's? Captain Morgan and Diet Coke was my choice of drink at a wedding reception. Typically I choose Goose Island 312 or America's beer, Budweiser.

That is just me though.

When preparing to consume alcohol on a Friday or Saturday evening, you want to make sure that you are consuming mainly proteins and carbohydrates for your nutrient choices.

Yes, carbohydrates. Carbohydrates will be less likely to be stored as unwanted body fat.

I know, I used to think I needed to eat a bunch of eggs, avocados, almonds and other fat sources to minimize my fat gain while sipping on grandpa's cough medicine.

But little did I know, I was doing it completely wrong. After reading up on some things and trying it out for myself, I now know what to eat before a night out with friends or family.

Your Layout For Minimal Fat Gain While Drinking

1. Exercise the day of drinking

You still want to watch the type of carbohydrate intake you consume. However, make sure you are depleting your muscle glycogen (carbohydrate) levels. Doing this will allow your body to feed off the alcohol sugar energy. I recommend consuming a majority of your calories, carbohydrates specifically, after your exercise. This will allow your muscles to uptake that energy quickly.

2. Vegetables are the most important part of your day

The vitamins and minerals you can fill your body with will help prevent any unwanted hangover. Not to mention that you will make yourself fuller off of high volume yet low calorie based food item(s).

3. Stay away from high fat & high (bad) carbohydrate rich foods

If you really want to minimize your fat gain, do not eat french fries, wings, or burgers while drinking. The high levels of dietary fat and carbohydrates will be stored as body fat much easier. Your body must get rid of any alcohol before the food energy can be used.

I tend to lean towards a great workout on a Friday or Saturday and then consume mainly lean meat and vegetables no less than one hour before drinking.

Have a fun and safe weekend,

Patrick