Some studies have found that moderate drinkers had lower mortality rates, compared to abstainers or heavy drinkers. Research has found the risk of diabetes is lower in those who consume alcohol moderately. Also moderate drinking makes you 25% to 40% less likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or hardened arteries. Spirits contain much higher amounts of ethanol and can cause dehydration. Most liquors are lower in carbohydrates and sugars making them attractive choices for weight management. This only remains true when liquors are consumed straight, without a high sugar mixer, juice, or soda. Spirits are also fermented and many of them are then distilled. This process preserves nutrients found in the grains or vegetables used to create the liquor. The liver metabolizes all forms of alcohol. Moderate consumption offers health benefits. One serving is good. Two can be tolerated. Multiple servings of any type of beer, wine or spirits diminishes any associated positive effects. If you’re really trying to drop body fat, lose weight, build lean muscle, help with recovery, or improve performance then it might not be in your best interest to be drinking. Alcohol will interfere too much with your sleep, muscle recovery, and the hormones  that assist with building muscle and dropping body fat, it’s important to know that liquor drinks don’t build muscle. Take 500 mg of vitamin C and 600 mg of Nac-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) to help lower liver aldehyde, a toxin that your liver creates from alcohol.

However, If you are ok with slower progress, are comfortable with where you are physically and mentally, and want to enjoy a drink now and again then I say go for it but try and limit yourself to no more than three to four drinks spread out over the week. So if you finish a glass of make sure to drink a full glass of water right after. If you decide to have one more glass of liquor then have another glass of water right after that. Go into whatever situation it is you’ll be drinking and allow yourself to have one drink and only one drink. Set a limit and stick with it. The intent is far more powerful than willpower. Monitor your behaviors when drinking. Does it cause you to make poor food choices or other decisions that may affect your health or even the health of others? The best way to go about this is to assess your goals and measure your progress by taking weekly body measurements and months before and after photos. Use a habit tracker to see if you’re dialed in and practicing healthy habits consistently.