Lower cholesterol
Eating healthier can help lower your cholesterol. The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions: • Cut back on fatty meats, processed meats, poultry with skin and full-fat dairy products. • Eat more foods rich in soluble fiber, such as legumes, fruits, oats, barley, flaxseed and whole grains. • Eat at least one meat-free meal each week, opting instead for beans, tofu or nuts. • Lose any excess weight, even if it’s a modest amount.
Alcohol can affect your athletic performance
Excessive alcohol consumption can trigger many problems with your body, particularly when it comes to athletic performance. The American Council on Exercise lists these ways that alcohol can impact your body’s ability to perform: • Dehydration and decreased coordination, endurance and balance. • Poor sleep, leading to fatigue. • Excess calories consumed after drinking too much, resulting in weight gain. • Impaired ability to absorb nutrients from a healthy diet, which can affect muscle mass.
