One of the ways in which the PEERtrainer Tip Of The Day is most helpful is
when we introduce new information to you or show you how to look at a problem or
question in a different way.
We are lucky to be sent many new books in the health field (usually by
publicists), and as a result get a good visual on the trends. We were looking over one
new book in particular on fighting diabetes, and were struck by the following
comment that was part of the authors (a well respected cardiac surgeon) overall diet
advice:
causing tissue damage and immune challenges and further contributing to weight struggles."
What On Earth Does This Have To Do With Red Wine and Alcohol??
The answer to that question is quite a bit. First of all, the idea that
wheat is a major block to weight loss is fairly new, at least as a mainstream idea. I
asked a doctor friend of mine and her comment was that this is "the emerging
mainstream consensus."
This is something we just keep seeing, the trend of doctors pointing
people away from wheat.
Now, the reality is that we drink a lot as a society. Even more so during the
holiday season. And I know from personal experience that alcohol is one
of the last things that someone wants to give up as part of their weight loss efforts.
In my community the moms know who I am and what I do, even though I have
tried as hard as I can to be low key. They ask me for weight loss advice all the
time, and constantly ask me questions.
When I tell them that I have not cut out red wine from my diet, I usually
see or hear a major sigh of relief. People do not want to give up the wine habit.
Period!
The thing is though that most alcohol other than wine has wheat in it. So
if you are a drinker, then you might want to consider a shift towards wine and away
from beer, as your drink of choice.
We also know that red wine in particular has beneficial properties. It is
just one of those things that you hear discussed all the time. I would also observe
that there is no such thing as a "wine belly." I will point out that most recommendations of red wine do limit it to one glass at a time, meaning, after more than one glass, your blood vessels start to constrict. The cited "benefits" are only for the one glass.
People do use the term "beer belly." Why is that? Anyway, I thought this
would be a helpful tip. Especially right now.
Jackie,
Thank you for adding the line about limiting consumption to one glass. By "at a time", I assume you meant to say "in any 24 hour period."
Your readers should also know that a "glass" is between 4 and 5 oz of wine, depending on the percent of alcohol in the wine.
Most restaurants serve at least 8 ounces in a glass. Some "glasses" contain 12 ounces or more. One of those "glasses" per day will increase the risk of cancer (especially breast cancer) by almost 50%.
If you are serious about your health, pour 1/2 cup of water into your usual wine glass and see how much is thought to have heart health benefits. If you routinely drink more than that, cut back. If you can't cut your consumption back to one small glass, quit drinking entirely. The benefits of moderate drinking do not outweigh the harm done by excessive amounts of alcohol.
Posted by: Ronnie | December 03, 2009 at 07:42 PM