Why Not Drinking Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Fitness Goals

Taryn Sisco
2 days ago
2 min read

Why Not Drinking Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Fitness Goals

Let’s talk about booze and biceps.

We’ve all been there. Tracking macros. Lifting heavy. Walking like a champ. Eating our high-fiber, high-protein salads. And still not seeing the results we’re after. I’m not saying your Saturday night wine is to blame for everything, but I am saying alcohol might be quietly slowing down your progress.

Here’s the truth. Alcohol messes with your goals more than most people want to admit.

Let’s Talk Science (Don’t Worry, I’ll Keep It Quick)

When you drink, your body puts everything on hold to metabolize the alcohol first. That means fat burning gets paused. Muscle recovery slows down. Blood sugar gets thrown off.

And because your liver is busy clearing out that rosé, your metabolism tanks and your hormones (hello cortisol and insulin) start doing the absolute most in the worst way. That’s why even if you’re working out and eating “clean,” you might feel bloated, puffy, tired, or stuck.

Then There’s the Sleep Thing

Alcohol might help you fall asleep faster, but it wrecks your quality of sleep. Hi 3am wake-ups. And without good sleep, your body doesn’t recover. Your workouts feel sluggish. Your cravings spike. Your mood dips. It’s a domino effect of blah.

But It’s Not Just About Calories

Yes, alcohol has calories. But it’s more than that. It lowers your inhibitions, which often means you snack on things you normally wouldn’t. You skip your workout the next morning. You feel off for a day or two. That adds up.

Am I saying you can never drink again? Nope. I’m saying you get to decide what matters more.

For me and a lot of women I know, going alcohol-free even just for a few weeks or a month feels like leveling up. Clearer skin. Better workouts. Deeper sleep. Less bloating. More energy. Sounds like a win to me.

You Can Still Enjoy the Ritual

I’m not here to take away your evening unwind moment. I’m just saying swap it.Club soda in a cocktail glass with lime and a splash of juice? Gorgeous. Apple cider vinegar and electrolyte mocktail? Surprisingly addictive.Throw it in a lowball glass, garnish it like a queen, and sip it like it’s expensive.

The Bottom (That's a hot booty bottom) Line

If you’re feeling stuck in your fitness journey, take a good, honest look at your alcohol habits.You don’t have to label it. You don’t have to explain it. Just experiment. Pull it out of the equation for a little while and see what happens.

You might be surprised how damn good you feel.And that’s what being Healthy-ish AF is all about.