I’m with a couple of buddies hanging at the bar and they totally frustrated as they order a diet coke and the other a virgin margarita. One misses the flavor and taste of dark rum that a rum and coke delivers, the other enjoys the taste of tequila. They opt for the virgin cocktail, because one has diabetes, and the other needs to lose weight. Unfortunately, this keeps both of my buddies from enjoying and consuming their favorite cocktails.
Here’s the simple reality. When it comes to alcohol beverages and all forms of diabetes and weight loss, some these do not go together.
Who doesn’t enjoy an end of the day alcoholic drink? Be it wine, a brew or hard liquor. Alcohol exists in this world, and it typically is the center of most of life’s activities and celebrations. You get a new job, and it’s off to dinner to celebrate with friends and an adult beverage. You play a round of golfing or tennis, and you sit meet after with friends to talk about the day over your preferred alcoholic beverage. These are just a couple of instances of just how alcoholic beverages are the center of each of our lifestyles.
In truth, although it could be difficult to find any health organization that could advise drinking alcohol, the A.D. A. and the American Heart Association, as well as others like the American Cancer Society, all concur that taking in alcohol in very light to small amounts is ok for most people.
People with type 2 diabetes or weight watchers should restrict alcohol drinks. Here’s why. Beverages that have alcohol are converted into fats and are high in unhealthy calories. Neither of the 2 is very beneficial for either diabetes or reducing your weight. So let us take yet another look at understanding alcohol and diabetes generally, and then review some options for you in alcohol free drinks that are currently available.
Research recently shows that alcohol creates a sizable redistribution of blood flow within the pancreas. It appears alcohol sends more blood to a region of the pancreas called the islets and attacks the beta cells. The islets have cells and the main role of those cells would be to make insulin, the essential hormone for reducing blood sugar levels. The beta cells produce insulin, and it helps turn the food you eat into fuel for your cells. Without it, you must take insulin shots every day to live. Over stimulating your beta cells by consuming alcohol could be at the source of the problem.
The recommendation the journal makes is a clear one. Avoid products with alcohol, especially when they are higher in sugar content, to avoid even additional complications. These drinks include hard liquor mixed with high fructose mixes, wine coolers, sweet wines, cordials and beers.
If you’re encountering other healthcare problems as a result of your diabetes, then it is advisable to skip alcohol completely. Always remember to go over these subjects together with your medical doctor, before doing something different with your diet plans.
Ultimately, there’s no last word. If you enjoy the flavors and tastes of your favored cocktails, cordials, or liqueurs, exactly what else can you do every time a virgin cocktail isn’t what you desire? There’s a fair choice of selections available if you search for them. Non-alcohol beer can be a great case, and there are plenty of options in most grocery stores.
When it comes to the actual tastes of rum and soda, or an Irish coffee, just what other options do you have for non alcoholic drinks? The answer to alcoholic drinks with no alcohol is all in the flavoring. Search natural alcohol flavorings, or alcohol flavor concentrates, and you will find many of the popular alcohol flavorings with no alcohol, like cordials and liqueurs out there. Steer clear of syrup flavorings which will include sugar!
Flavor concentrates that are natural are available as flavor drops and include many of the popular alcohol free flavors: dark rum, Irish Crme, tequila, brandy, bourbon, coffee liqueurs and even amaretto to mention a few. You will have all the tastes and flavors of rum and cola, or a mojito, and none of the alcohol. Be certain to select natural flavoring concentrates without carbs or calories.
The next time you are together with your family or friends sharing a moment or celebrating an occasion, ask for a virgin mohito and add your own natural rum flavoring drops. Or, for a pick me up mid afternoon pleasure, try out a mug of espresso and make your own Irish crme or amaretto coffee. You won’t get the buzz, but you will swear you are drinking the real thing.
George Napoli is CEO of Yum Drops Flavoring and knows all about flavoring concentrates with 0 carbs. He has researched flavoring since 2004. Their full line on alcohol free flavorings delivers on the taste.
Want to find out more about virgin non alcoholic bevereages, then visit George Napoli’s site on how to choose the best alcohol flavor concentrates for all your beverage needs.
