As Alcohol Intake Increases, Diet Quality Decreases
While we are familiar with the blunting effect of
alcohol on gains in metabolism and accelerated
fat burning, researchers have found another
reason why we should cut back on adult beverages:
We tend to eat poorly on the days we imbibe.
A recent study by researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has revealed that people who drink more are also likely
to eat less fruit and to consume more calories from a combination of alcoholic beverages and foods high
in unhealthy fats and added sugars.
“We found that as alcoholic beverage consumption increased, Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2005) scores decreased, an indication of poorer food choices,” said lead author Rosalind A. Breslow, PhD, an epidemiologist in NIAAA’s Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Research. “It’s important to note that our study did not determine the cause of these associations.” Created
by the USDA, the HEI-2005 measures how closely
diets conform to the 2005 U.S. Dietary
Guidelines for Americans.
Sandy Todd Webster
For 22 years, Sandy Todd Webster was the chief architect of IDEA's content program - including the award-winning IDEA FITNESS JOURNAL and IDEA FOOD & NUTRITION TIPS - the industry's leading resources for fitness, wellness and nutrition professionals worldwide. She created, launched and nurtured these brands and many others during her productive and purposeful IDEA tenure. Sandy is a Rouxbe-certified professional plant-based cook and a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach who is pursuing a Master's degree in Sustainable Food Systems through The Culinary Institute of America (expected August 2024). She plans to combine these passions with her content expertise to continue inspiring others to make the world a more just, healthy and regenerative place.
