These high kilo-joule drinks do not satisfy our appetite at all, nor add any essential micro-nutrients to our diet. In addition because alcohol stimulates the bro-chemical pathways Involved In appetite control, too much alcohol also means you can end up overeating.

Secondly_alcohol can slow down fat metabolism making it even harder to lose weight. Moderate alcohol intake also has benefits. An intake of 2 standard drinks a day has been associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease. This seems to be because alcohol increases the level of HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood. Alcohol also seems to reduce the formation of blood clots.

You do not need to become a teetotaller to lose weight nor should you take up drinking alcohol if you don't already. But what is a safe and sensible approach to losing weight if you really enjoy having a drink more often than once or twice a week? If you do not want to lose weight, a safe intake of alcohol is 2 standard drinks a day for women and 4 for men. Remember an average glass of wine is more like 1.5 standard drinks. If you are trying to lose weight on the Diet however, an alcohol intake of 1 standard drink a day will slow your weight loss only slightly. If this works for you great, but if you find that it sabotages your eating pattern, try 3 standard drinks a week.

What we find incredibly rewarding is to see the transformation in the hundreds of people who have participated in our weight-loss programs since our studies began. They tell us that they can develop a sense of order and control in their lives simply by controlling their food intake and exercising more. Once they start to lose weight and excess fat, their self-esteem soars and they feel energized mentally and physically. Here are some stories to inspire you to keep going.