The first rule of fitness, or so many will have you believe, is to avoid drinking alcohol if you don’t want to undo all the effort you put into working out and whipping up nutrient-dense meals. And, it makes sense; we know that a high intake of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of certain illnesses, and we also know that alcohol is a diuretic, which can trigger dehydration (never ideal, but especially not when you’re very active). There’s also evidence to suggest that heavy alcohol intake (we’re talking seven or so beers within the space of around three hours) can interfere with the metabolic process which helps the body to build muscle by reducing protein synthesis.

But, despite the wealth of research which makes it abundantly clear that drinking to excess is not a health-promoting behaviour (for anyone – not just those keen on building physical fitness), the same can’t be said for moderate drinking. While there’s still not much known about the impact a couple of drinks has on muscle mass, according to Colleen Deane, lecturer in muscle cell biology at the University of Southampton and Philip J Atherton, professor in clinical, metabolic and molecular physiology at the University of Nottingham, there’s reason to believe that having a couple of post-workout bevvies at brunch is relatively innocuous.