Q: After a long run or event, I enjoy having a glass of beer or wine. Will this type of alcohol consumption affect my performance?
A: In adults moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a normal diet. In general moderation is defined as 1 alcohol equivalent per day for women and 2 for men. Table 1 lists the alcohol equivalents and calorie content of various types of alcoholic beverages. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, people who consume alcohol in moderation are at low risk for developing problems related to alcohol consumption. Some studies find that drinking alcohol (i.e. wine, beer, or distilled beverages) in moderation may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, due to the addictive properties of alcohol some people should not drink alcohol. For the athlete who consumes alcohol it is unlikely that low to moderate alcohol consumption will affect performance. However, it should be noted that consuming excess alcohol prior to an event could influence hydration status and/or performance. Additionally, consumption of alcohol prior to exercise can impair ones ability to perform. Therefore, drinking responsibly and knowing the affect of alcohol on ones body is important.
Table 1. Serving size and calories associate with alcoholic beverages:
Rebecca L. Persinger, RD, CNSD, PhD
Rebecca is active in the Seattle running and cycling communities and enjoys other outdoor activities including: snowshoeing, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
