## Six reasons to abstain __Argument #1:__ Alcohol is a toxic substance that is eliminated in the body through the liver. Because the liver is involved in all nutritional processes and fat metabolism, it performs more poorly when dealing with alcohol in addition to its primary functions. __Argument #2:__ It affects the pancreas, which is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and produces insulin. Insulin works for glucose metabolism: when it is produced, glucose goes down. When it reaches the lower limit, you feel hungry and want to eat carbohydrates. In addition, alcohol, itself an irritant to the mucosa and intestines, does promote appetite. __Argument #3:__ Alcohol is a source of pure energy and calories, which in the diet should be spent as much and as quickly as possible. __Argument #4:__ Nothing slows down the fat-burning process like alcoholic beverages. The energy stored in fats is the last thing the body uses. Drinking a glass of alcohol moves fat to the back of the queue — especially high-calorie alcoholic beverages like beer. __Argument #5:__ Alcoholic beverages upset the fluid balance and contribute to water retention in the body and the appearance of edema. __Argument #6:__ Alcohol consumption weakens self-control and willpower, which can lead to overeating and consuming unnecessary calories. ## Conclusion Any psychologist will tell you that strict prohibitions can turn an innocent desire into something more, which can lead to addiction. Therefore, it is okay to drink alcohol every once in a while — especially those with low calories and low sugar. And don't forget to count the alcohol you drink in your daily calorie count. This, too, will help you not to overdo it.