Is alcohol making you fat??

Health experts say women are catching up to men in the beer-belly stakes — and it's our sedentary lifestyle, not genetics, that is to blame.

The 'wineglass'
Move over apples, the new figure shape on the weight-watching block is the appropriately titled 'wineglass' — coined by a British dietician to describe barrel-shaped ladies whose thick waist-line is a result of one too many tipples.

Jacqui Lowdon from the British Dietetic Association says the shape, which is characterised by a larger upper-body and a thinner lower-body, is usually most common in women after menopause. However, due to an increased consumption of alcohol by women under 30 the barrel-esque physique is now also becoming common in the younger set.

Don't blame it on genetics
This emerging trend is being blamed on extended drinking hours, social pressures and our inactive lifestyles, according to international health and longevity expert Dr John Tickell.
"The way we eat and drink is just so different to what they were 50 years ago," says Dr Tickell. "What happens now is that most of the kids don't go out until 10 or 11 or midnight, and they stay out drinking in clubs all night."

Add to this our increasingly sedentary lifestyles and our consumption of excess calories through alcohol and Dr Tickell says it's a recipe for the skinny-leg, big-belly look.

Health risks
If the unsightly beer belly isn't enough to put you off, perhaps the list of health risks associated with the 'wineglass' shape will. Dr Tickell warns, "It is terribly unhealthy. Wineglass equals high-risk diabetes, breast cancer, bowel cancer and all other cancers."

For more information see source: http://health.ninemsn.com.au/dietandnutrition/nutrition/694803/alcohol-is-making-women-fat

CHRISTMAS TIME HEALTH CHECK...

As Christmas beckons, it's easy to lose sight of the year's health goals. Rich food, plentiful alcohol and lack of exercise all contribute to a sluggish system, not to mention the family hazards that might fly your way. Try following these tips to minimise the physical and emotional damage.

Stay off the snacks
Around Christmas time, many of the kilos packed on are due to snacks that lie around the house. Go easy on the chocolates and nuts, they are full of kilojoules and are unnecessary when you are also enjoying large meals! As a substitute, have bowls of fruit available (grapes and berries are good) and help fill kids' stockings with an orange or apple, too.

Plan a walk
Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean normal life has to stop completely! Build some time into your day to take some exercise, even if it's a simple walk along the beach, a swim or a game of cricket in the backyard. Taking time out can also be helpful for avoiding family tension: if there's a storm brewing, calm yourself down by getting out and about for 30 minutes or so.

Bulk up on veg
Whatever your chosen Christmas meal, max out on vegies and cut back on the meat. It doesn't have to be dull — look up inventive ways to make a splendid salad or dress up those sprouts. As long as your vegies aren't covered in butter or rich salad dressing, you can scoff lots without packing on too many kilos.

Be sensitive to others
Not everybody finds Christmas a pleasant time — be sensitive to the feelings of those around you, especially if there's been a recent bereavement or loss. Even happy events such as the birth of a child can cause emotional havoc, so stay aware and steer clear of potentially hazardous topics.

Don't start on the booze too early
Tempting though it can be to crack open the bubbly as soon as you're dressed, save it for later in the day. When eventually you do have a drink, remember to space alcoholic beverages with soft ones, allowing your liver a chance to fight back. Don't forget that it's harder for your liver to metabolise alcohol when your sugar intake has been high: it prioritises the absorption of sugar over alcohol, so if you've been on the chocolates all day, any alcohol will remain in your system for longer.

Get organised!
If you leave all your preparations to the last minute, things can get stressful. Financially, too, leaving everything until last can create a big hole in your wallet. Space everything out by writing lists and buying presents ahead of time (this will also save you cash). Buy foods that won't go off in advance, too, such as Christmas puddings and so on.

Choose your drinks carefully
If you're watching your weight, some drinks will kill your diet. Obvious ones to look out for are creamy cocktails, but keep an eye on your intake of premixed drinks and cocktails in general. Stick to straight spirits, mixed with low-joule drinks, or wine.

Set out expectations
Christmas can be a very happy time, but it can also be stressful. If your parents are separated or if you're planning to spend the holidays with your partner's family, make sure the other set know in good time. Disappointment often breeds resentment and the last thing you need on your hands at Christmas is a family feud. As at any other time of the year, communication is of paramount importance — hiding away from telling somebody something they won't want to hear will only prolong the issue.

For more information see source:
http://health.ninemsn.com.au/dietandnutrition/nutrition/689863/christmas-health-busters