Alcohol

[nutsnbolts]

Christmas is almost here, will you be drinking at all? What do you think is an acceptable amount of units in one evening to prevent any negative effects on training?

[dade652003]

I got this from the livestrong site

but 1 or 2 wont hurt

Inhibit Muscle Protein Synthesis
In research reported in the August 1999 issue of the "American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism," researchers discovered that drinking alcohol can inhibit muscle protein synthesis, the muscle growth process within muscle cells. During a 14-week study, subjects on an alcohol containing diet had greater levels of myopathy, or muscle loss, than those taking a placebo. Scientists suggest that alcohol blocks the process of protein synthesis, which leads to a reduction in muscle mass.

Testosterone Impact
Research shows that alcohol can negative affect the muscle building hormone testosterone, according to research published in the May 2004 issue of the journal of "Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental." Participants consumed beer or non-alcoholic beer for three weeks while following the same diet composition. Scientists found that the beer group had significantly lower testosterone levels compared to the no-alcohol beer. Low testosterone levels can compromise muscle building, since the hormone plays a vital role in initiating protein synthesis.

Growth Hormone Impact
Like testosterone, growth hormone facilitates the protein synthesis process. Therefore, maximizing growth hormone output can increase the muscle growth process. In research reported in the 1980 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," researchers found that alcohol consumption significantly suppressed growth hormone release during sleep.

Caution
As confirmed by the scientific studies above, alcohol consumption can put a damper on your muscle building goals. Just proceed with caution when drinking alcohol. Avoid going overboard, but don't permanently deny yourself the occasional alcoholic beverage. According to the Mayo Clinic website, always drink responsibly and in moderation.

[PeterGibbons316]

I coordinated my rest week with the holiday visit to the in-laws. I bought two 6-packs and drank them over the course of the week. I ate tons of Christmas cookies, huge turkey meal Christmas day, pies, whatever. Gained 3 pounds. 100% worth it.

[mileseperez]

Christmas pasted

[thebiggfella]

I've been having a few beers over the festive period. All the stodgy/bad food I can leave well alone no problem, but I wouldn't be without a beer or three. I even had some of my dad's Wild Turkey bourbon last night. Lovely stuff!

[Dubbal]

You can reduce the damage by choosing your booze.

Wine will do the least damage, especially red. It has the lowest effect on T levels and contains resveratrol which is beneficial, especially as an anti-aromatase.

Spirits are the next best thing (be careful of the mixers).

Beer, unfortunately, as delicious as it is, is virtually the most physique-unfriendly thing you can put in your body. Gluten + lots of carbs + lots of calories + alcohol = your belly getting fatter.

Remember also, that one of the main reasons for alcohol-associated weight gain, is that people get the serious munchies when they drink.

If you can stick to wine and neat spirits in moderation and avoid the munchies, booze isnt all that bad.

[muumy]

You can reduce the damage by choosing your booze.

Wine will do the least damage, especially red. It has the lowest effect on T levels and contains resveratrol which is beneficial, especially as an anti-aromatase.

Spirits are the next best thing (be careful of the mixers).

Beer, unfortunately, as delicious as it is, is virtually the most physique-unfriendly thing you can put in your body. Gluten + lots of carbs + lots of calories + alcohol = your belly getting fatter.

Remember also, that one of the main reasons for alcohol-associated weight gain, is that people get the serious munchies when they drink.

If you can stick to wine and neat spirits in moderation and avoid the munchies, booze isnt all that bad.

That is good news, as I love drinking red wine in the evenings after basketball or gym. I also googled that red wine can fasten your metabolism as well.