Alcohol and a "fat feeling" around abs/stomach

[rikishi]

I'm currently in the middle of a hard cutting diet. I'm taking in about 2100-2300 calories a day while restricting carbs to under 20 g a day. I have made great results during the week. However, I notice that after a night of MODERATE drinking (not getting drunk) on the weekend has me feeling a LOT fatter exclusively in my stomach/abs area in the next 2-3 days. It's driving me insane.

I make sure to only have micellar casein in my system before going out and have no direct energy sources such as fats or carbs in my stomach. This way, there is no chance of my body storing fat because alcohol replaces carbs or fats as energy sources and nothing gets stored. I drink moderately and do not drink beer, it is only hard alcohol, mostly vodka. However, I still end up feeling very bloated and fat in the coming days but only in my stomach/abs area.

I do not see how my body is storing fat because I make sure there is nothing in my stomach to store. So, the only explanation I can come up with is estrogen. Is this fat feeling in my abs due to an increase in estrogen as a result of alcohol?

If it is, will taking an anti-estrogen (such as formestane) before and after going out counter this effect?

I realize that the best solution would be to cut out alcohol, but I am looking for opinions on the anti-estrogen approach. Thanks

 

[truckdaddy]

life is short, enjoy a cocktail.

Vodka and water is your best bet.

 

[rikishi]

life is short, enjoy a cocktail.

Vodka and water is your best bet.

Yes, but do you think this fat feeling is due to an increase in estrogen? And if it is, do you think taking an AI will counter this?

edit: Or, is it possible for the body to store alcohol as fat?

 

[Captain FT]

Yes, but do you think this fat feeling is due to an increase in estrogen? And if it is, do you think taking an AI will counter this?

edit: Or, is it possible for the body to store alcohol as fat?

Of course its possible, but I've read several studies from the NEJM and other journals that showed in studies that the human intake of ethanol did alter the digestion or absorption of protein or carbohydrates. They concluded that it shouldn't have much impact on metabolism unless the calories consumed from alcohol put you over and above your daily energy expenditure. Also keep in mind alcohol is 7 calories per gram unlike typical carbohydrates which are 4 calories per gram.

 

[rikishi]

Of course its possible, but I've read several studies from the NEJM and other journals that showed in studies that the human intake of ethanol did alter the digestion or absorption of protein or carbohydrates. They concluded that it shouldn't have much impact on metabolism unless the calories consumed from alcohol put you over and above your daily energy expenditure. Also keep in mind alcohol is 7 calories per gram unlike typical carbohydrates which are 4 calories per gram.

So before drinking, I should make sure to decrease my total calories during the day to compensate for the vodka and make sure no fat is stored?

 

[Captain FT]

So before drinking, I should make sure to decrease my total calories during the day to compensate for the vodka and make sure no fat is stored?

No, thats too much work, don't over think it. If its one day a week and just a few social drinks don't even sweat it. Unless you are competing. It was probably some other factor that caused you to feel that way.

 

[Nelson Montana]

It has nothing to do with estrogen. When alcohol is in the body the liver can not process calories. It's entire function is relegated to filtering out the alcohol. So whatever you eat, especially carbs, simply gets shuttled directly into the bloodstream and turns into fat.

 

[rikishi]

It has nothing to do with estrogen. When alcohol is in the body the liver can not process calories. It's entire function is relegated to filtering out the alcohol. So whatever you eat, especially carbs, simply gets shuttled directly into the bloodstream and turns into fat.

Yes, but did you read my entire post? I eat nothing other than protein before going out. In fact, I had no carbs or fats in my stomach within 8 hours of going out.

 

[TDHAWKS]

It has nothing to do with estrogen. When alcohol is in the body the liver can not process calories. It's entire function is relegated to filtering out the alcohol. So whatever you eat, especially carbs, simply gets shuttled directly into the bloodstream and turns into fat.

This and think, what do most vodka's come from? Potatoes. Hence white starch which in turn will give you an insulin spike in your system, causing possible fat gain.

 

[rikishi]

This and think, what do most vodka's come from? Potatoes. Hence white starch which in turn will give you an insulin spike in your system, causing possible fat gain.

So what do you recommend to drink (in moderation) if/when going out?