Addictions are definitely a serious matter. We can become addicted to so many things. There are obvious bad addictions like drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. But there are good things we can become addicted to that turn into negative things too. We need to be sure to address anything that gains control of our life.
Addiction is defined as “a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble).” Even from this definition you can see that danger is any addition is the NEED to have it (whatever it is). You don’t have control anymore! That is pretty scary to think about and it is often hard for anyone to admit when they are in the midst of it.
***I am not an expert on addictions and thankful have never had to deal with addictions to things like drugs or alcohol. But like everyone, I know people that have. If you think you have a serious problem, PLEASE seek professional help. You don’t have to do it alone and there is always hope! Check out http://www.drugabuse.gov/
Alcohol and Working Out
Now the effects of alcohol and working out are real. Serious weight training and dieting doesn’t leave room for alcohol. Alcohol is actually a macronutrient group. It has about 7 calories per gram. And the really pointless thing is that your body can’t convert alcohol to energy. It’s worthless!
One big danger with drinking is that you are more likely to overeat. When people drink, they stop worrying about what is on their nutrition plan. They tend to eat any and everything. So not only are you consuming tons of pointless calories of alcohol but then you add 500, 1000, or more calories of probably carbs and fat. No good!
Alcohol also really hurts muscle recovery. Enough alcohol will slow and hurt protein synthesis and waking up the next day after drinking is not ideal for training. You can read a lot more here: Alcohol.
So this obviously did not address addictions to alcohol, that again is beyond my scope… but as you think about alcohol remember it’s not helping you get closer to your goals. If you are going to have a drink make sure you account for it in your macros and stick your plan. If you think you can’t have just 1 drink, please reach out for help! That is real strength.
Tobacco and Working Out
Smoking will decrease your lung capacity making it harder to bring it. It will lower your immune system making you get sick more often. It will take years off your life and open you up to many forms of cancer. It’s a no win.
There has been nothing earth-shattering about this! We know this stuff. But I hope you know that I’m not looking down on anyone, but I want to fire you up to make a change! Hearing of people that have decided enough is enough with smoking fires me up like it does when I hear about people getting healthy and fit for the ones they love! You can do this and there is LOTS of help out there.
Don’t discount prayer and help from God. You know where I stand with my beliefs and I am here to tell you that I have seen so many people delivered from these and other vices. You are a new creation! If you have overcome some addictions in the past and you feel good about sharing your experience, let me hear about it! Post on the comments.
- What helped you?
- Who helped?
- Was there an AH-HA moment?
Bring it teamRIPPED!!!
Need a coach?
My email: coachwayne@teamripped.com
IG: @wayne_wyatt
