Why you should skip wine this winter
Uncategorized
Dec 21, 2021
Let's face it, the winter season for many turns into one run-on event after another from holiday parties to traditional family dinners. And more than ever, we're hearing from clients that it feels nearly impossible to drop the glass (or bottle) of red wine.
If you've been working with us for some time, you know that we are all about bringing awareness into every situation, not eating or drinking anything you don't truly want to, and making an informed full body "hell yes" otherwise, it's a no. Sometimes that means no alcohol and sometimes that means choosing the time, place, set, and setting for a ritual elixir.
So how do we personally find balance? You may think that as nutrition coaches, we don't enjoy any desserts, alcohol or other "treats", but that actually couldn't be further from the truth! Our members know that pizza is a regular weekly staple, for example, and continue to bust myths about what it means to eat healthy and balanced.
Learning the true nutrition science behind how everything works in the body has been crucial for making informed decisions to the best our abilities. We don't eat or drink anything anymore with guilt. We go into situations fully equipped with the experience we want and know how to balance accordingly the days after. This is total food freedom and why we are obsessed with sharing this information with as many people as possible!
So here is how we make alcohol work which we do enjoy sparingly on occasion:
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All tequilas are a type of mezcal. Not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila in particular is made from 100% blue agave.
Mezcal can be produced from more than 30 different types of agave (including blue agave) with most coming from the Oaxaca region.
Because of its infamous smoky flavor and finish, mezcal may be tolerated by those who dislike tequila. (Hint: if you had a bad stint with tequila in college, don't rule out mezcal).
But here's the big reason that we recommend them in place of all other alcohol if you must drink: studies have shown that the agave (a type of succulent) in tequila and mezcal is non-digestible and will not raise blood sugar levels as much as other booze!
Think of it this way: when you drink wine, you're getting alcohol from a starchy carb like grapes or potatoes. When you drink beer, you're getting alcohol from grain - also a starchy carb. Hard cider: apples (carb). Even most whiskey comes from a starchy carb: corn.
We'll say this again: tequila and mezcal come from a non-starchy, fibrous cactus plant so it's not going to increase your insulin and thus won't take you out of fat-burning mode as much as all other alcohols!
Plus, mezcal and tequila anecdotally produce less "depressant" effects than other alcohols and minimal hangovers when consumed in moderation, likely due to the low impact on blood sugar.
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You're also going to be drinking much less volume of liquid overall compared due to higher alcohol concentration than you would withe wine and beer. A small 1.5 oz serving of tequila or mezcal vs. 5 oz of wine is a big difference in terms of how high you're spiking your blood sugar!
Remember, all alcohol takes you out of fat-burning mode while your liver prioritizes the removal of the toxin from the body. But, mezcal and tequila make that interference much less intense and much shorter.
Always opt for top shelf alcohol - that is a no-brainer must as removing this toxin from the body gets more challenging with age.
And ladies... as you've heard us say so many times... not only do we metabolize alcohol more slowly than our male counterparts, it gets especially challenging as we age due to hormonal changes.
In general, we want to do everything possible to maintain the healthy metabolism of estrogen from the body. Excess alcohol will keep estrogen in the body, wreaking havoc on hormones, creating insulin resistance (i.e. harder to process carbs), and causing stubborn body fat, especially around the waistline.
[For more information about what impacts hormones, make sure to RSVP to our January workshop with Dr. Mona Wiggins.]
We hope you found this helpful and possibly even adventurous with trying out a new drink this winter. And, if you're abstaining from alcohol altogether, more power to you!!
There are so many incredible alcohol-free elixirs coming out now from Ritual to Zero Proof. Part of the enjoyment of this social beverage is simply having a drink in your hand as you wax on with others.
We wish you the most merry of holiday celebrations and hope to see you at one of our free online workouts in the new year! Check out our instagram page for more details soon :)
Shannon Morse & Lisa Kirby | Creators of Awaken Your Nutrition @thegreendoor.life | thegreendoorlife.com
P.P.S. Our April 2022 retreat is open for booking. Prices increase by $1,000 starting January 1, so if you've been on the fence about reserving your spot, now is the time. Click here to learn more and sign up for the retreat.
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Quick Facts:
- Dates: April 23-30, 2022
- Location: Club Med in Cancun, Mexico
- All food, alcohol, beverages, airport transportation, workouts, and resort activities included!!
- Who this is for: current, past, or potential members + their friends/family, and anyone else age 21 and up
- You can book your own room or share a room with a friend or partner for a slight discount
- Last day to purchase: January 22, 2022
- You'll get a full refund (minus a $60 resort fee) should we enter another lockdown in 2022, so you can purchase with peace of mind
Our 7-night fully inclusive retreat + vacation experience is a window into how you can recreate The Green Door Life at home every day and be inspired to practice your new wellness habits for a lifetime.
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Let's Talk
When you're done trying "all the things" and are tired of feeling tired, we'll be here waiting for you with open arms! Apply for our life-changing 12-week Awaken Your Nutrition program today and feel better at your next meal.
Book a discovery call today to get started.
You'll speak with a Green Door Life team member and learn more about flexible payments and the right type of program to support your goals and learning style.
Click the Discovery Call link below or forward this to a loved one who is ready for this support in their life (limited space available; serious inquiries only)👇
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P.S. Looking for more nutrition, health, and training support? Here are 2 ways we can help you:
(1) WATCH OUR FREE MASTERCLASS → Discover the 3-step system in our that helps you activate your natural weight management code without restricting your favorite foods or exercising excessively! Click here to register and view at your convenience.
(2) GET LEAN → If you’re ready to permanently lose at least 10 pounds in as little as 8 weeks or want to maximize your performance and muscle tone, then book a discovery call with us.
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