Since adopting the paleo diet, and telling fellow gym members and keeners alike, I've noticed a big hurdle for a lot of people is alcohol. We tend to tie alcohol to everything, bad or good. Bad day at work, have a drink. Promotion at work, celebratory drink. It's what keeps us relaxed and social, right? So what about it's role in the paleo diet?

Well we could sit around beating ourselves up for what seems like depending on a "drug." I feel as though the positive, calming and social effects of alcohol far outweigh the negative stigma. Paleo living is meant to make us feel good, mentally, physically and emotionally. If you need a glass of wine to help you get there at the end of the day, DO IT.

Now I'm not condoning anything excessive. I myself like to have 1-2 drinks in the evening with dinner or while winding down. Use alcohol as a tool, not a crutch. Don't go and get wasted every night thinking, "this is good for me! It's helping me 'wind down!'"

Now all that being said, there are better alcohol choices out there in the paleo community. First and foremost, 100% agave tequila is your best bet. If you haven't been graced with the knowledge of the NorCal Marg... get ready for this drink recipe:

NorCal Margarita (the best thing since bacon wrapped anything)

2 shots 100% agave tequila
juice and pulp from 1 lime
topped with ice
splash of soda

This drink just makes sense, the tequila is fermented agave juice (gluten and starch-free,) the lime blunts insulin release and helps maintain insulin sensitivity. The lime also produces a great alkaline kidney load. The bubbly soda helps the ethanol enter the blood stream more quickly, so you can drink less for the same effects. More bang for your buck!

Mark Berkhan also has a very interesting take on the science behind alcohol and our body. He breaks it down in such an in depth way that you can't help but want to praise the alcohol gods and mix yourself up a NorCal. Here's a link to his article on The truth about alcohol, fat loss and muscle growth.


Cheers!