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Devan Futten

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May 28, 2025

Alcohol & Your Goals: How to Stay on Track This Summer Without Missing Out

Summer is a season full of social events—cookouts, camping trips, lake days, weddings, vacations, and spontaneous nights out with friends. And while those moments bring memories, they often come with something else too: alcohol. 🍻

Whether it’s a cold beer after mowing the lawn or a cocktail by the pool, alcohol tends to sneak its way into summer plans. But if you're working toward fitness, fat loss, better sleep, or just feeling more energized, it's important to understand both the effects and affects of alcohol on your health and performance—and learn how to manage it mindfully.

🍷 The Effects of Alcohol on Your Body

Let’s start with the physical impact.

Even moderate alcohol consumption can:

  • Slow recovery by impairing protein synthesis and hydration.
  • Disrupt sleep, making you feel groggy and less likely to show up for workouts.
  • Decrease performance by affecting coordination, balance, and reaction time.
  • Increase caloric intake—alcohol itself has 7 calories per gram, and that’s before mixers and munchies are added.
  • Hinder fat loss by shifting your body’s focus to metabolizing alcohol first, delaying fat burning.

💭 The Affects on Your Habits and Mindset

Alcohol doesn’t just affect your body—it affects your behavior, decision-making, and motivation.

  • You’re more likely to skip a workout after drinking.
  • Your food choices often become looser, leading to overeating or late-night snacking.
  • One drink can easily turn into three, which can derail a whole weekend’s progress.

If you’ve ever said, “I’ll start fresh on Monday,” this might sound familiar.

🧠 Mindful Alcohol Strategies for the Summer

You don’t have to give up alcohol completely to stay on track. Here are some strategies to help you enjoy summer while keeping your goals in sight:

1. Set a Limit Before You Start

Decide how many drinks you’ll have ahead of time—and stick to it. One or two? Great. Having a plan beats playing it by ear.

2. Hydrate Between Drinks

Alternate with water to slow your intake and stay hydrated. Bonus: This also helps reduce hangovers.

3. Choose Lower-Calorie Options

Swap heavy mixed drinks and craft beers for:

  • Vodka + soda with lime
  • Light beer
  • Wine spritzers

4. Don’t Drink on an Empty Stomach

Eat a balanced meal with protein and healthy fats before drinking to help slow alcohol absorption.

5. Limit Alcohol to One Day per Week

Pick one social event to enjoy drinks and keep the rest of your week alcohol-free.

6. Don’t Skip Your Workout the Next Day

Even if it's just a walk or light session, getting your body moving helps you get back on track faster.

☀️ You Don’t Have to Choose Between Fun and Fitness

Summer is about balance. You can enjoy the cookouts, campfires, and beach days—and still stay aligned with your health goals. The key is intentionality.

👉 Ready to take the guesswork out of your fitness?
Book a Free Intro Session at CrossFit CTRL and let’s create a plan that fits your summer, goals, and lifestyle.

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