Alcohol. Devil or Scapegoat?

overflow277

So I've heard that alcohol is bad for the diet. However, I love a dark, stout beer from time to time; as in once or twice a week. Is this a no no or can I indulge from time to time? Is one type of alcohol worse than another?

3dogsrunning

So long as you log your calories the odd drink as you describe should not inhibit your weight loss.

1JoshG

If you are actively trying to lose weight I would say it is a hindrance. However, one or two a week is a small thing. I, personally, can't have just one and have given alcohol up because of it while I'm trying to lose. Feel free to add me, I enjoy talking to people!

tomatoey

One pint of Guinness won't do you in, no, just count it. That sort of thing's a good choice imo, it's not that many calories and you can nurse it all night.

cwolfman13

overflow277 wrote: »

So I've heard that alcohol is bad for the diet. However, I love a dark, stout beer from time to time; as in once or twice a week. Is this a no no or can I indulge from time to time? Is one type of alcohol worse than another?

It's a lot of calories and while alcohol is in your system you can't metabolize anything else...your body metabolizes the alcohol first and shuts everything else down.

I drink pretty regularly when in maintenance and cut way back when I'm cutting, but I still drink. When I'm cutting I generally stick to sprits straight up or with a diet mixer and wine as they are lower in calories...a good beer can easily be 200+ calories.

mulecanter

When I was really rolling on weight loss I didn't want to waste my calories on beer, I wanted food more. Also, alcohol reduces inhibitions so you are much more likely to cheat when you drink. But, once in a while is ok, just plan ahead.

overflow277

Thank you all for your great responses! I think I may cut back even more

kristen6350

I've drank beer all along and never had an issue. Just watch the ABV. The higher it is the higher the calories. When you log the beer, make sure if it's not in the database, to log it by it's alcohol %.

mamichula1173

I budget in my 16oz every few days. If I give it up completely I have found that I crave it more, thereby binging eventually. I would rather have a big salad for lunch and hoard my calories for a good, non-light beer. I savor it nowadays instead of drinking it fast.

Unknown

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mamichula1173

MrM27 wrote: »

mamichula1173 wrote: »

I budget in my 16oz every few days. If I give it up completely I have found that I crave it more, thereby binging eventually. I would rather have a big salad for lunch and hoard my calories for a good, non-light beer. I savor it nowadays instead of drinking it fast.

I find it amusing that your AVI is bottles of Absolute.

Ha, yes, maybe I like to drink more than just beer. It was such a pretty picture, though.

tincanonastring

I drank a 12 oz. Dogfish Head the other day for 540 calories. Best beer ever. Whiskey has fewer calories per serving.

_Waffle_

Alcohol. Devil or Scapegoat?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yPIC-o1O3k

CA_Underdog

I've had no problem indulging in wine or beer while losing weight. Just try to ensure you get in the key nutrients first (e.g., protein) and stay within your calorie count.

As tincan points out, harder drinks tend to have fewer calories. You'll go over your calories fastest on cocktails with sugary mixers, and slowest on wine or martinis or shots.

sdado1013

just plan it into your calorie budget and no big deal. cheers!

barbecuesauce

I choose not to drink because like another poster said, it lowers your inhibitions and RIP that day's deficit. Even if my hunger would be ignorable on a regular night, two light beers in and I'm in the kitchen making a massive plate of nachos.

ryanhorn

I think it really depends on your goals. If you're trying to lose weight, the extra calories don't necessarily help, but it's like any splurge in that it can also keep you sane when you're cutting back.

My biggest personal concern isn't necessarily the calories but how it will affect my performance in the gym and over the course of the day.

ryanhorn

CA_Underdog wrote: »

I've had no problem indulging in wine or beer while losing weight. Just try to ensure you get in the key nutrients first (e.g., protein) and stay within your calorie count.

As tincan points out, harder drinks tend to have fewer calories. You'll go over your calories fastest on cocktails with sugary mixers, and slowest on wine or martinis or shots.

You've never been around me and my friends while taking shots. They tend to go down quickly. Haha.

keefmac

I used to factor in a pint of Guinness or two every night when losing (2lb per week).

No harm in it if you don't go mad imho..

ahoier

alcohol among friends is a ok- in my book......alcohol at home in front of a tv....is not....that's my take on it. i support 2 beers per day for men.....1 per day for women.....


brb. Norman's Raw Bar, 25 cent beer tonight! lol. i'll be tipping some cups!




btw. look up 'the drunk diet' - some of the stuff is off the wall, but there is also some good points made.

i have learned to like the 'vodka soda' which is essentially a shot of vodka, and soda water when i'm at the pub, and don't wanna look like the 'one man out' not drinking, this is what i'll go for.....and it is delicious.

TheLittleFangs

I quit alcohol last May .. I use my cals for food...my loss rate is the same as when I drank alcohol (I am just less bipolar -y lol)... so yeah. Enjoy it in your count

Archon2

OK, so two dark beers at a total of 350 calories, that is 1-3% of your weekly caloric allowance. Factor it in if you like to have the occasional brew! Seems like a nit at your rate of consumption

Disclaimer: beer was one of the things I cut out of my own plan, but it wasn't just a couple a week. It was one a night with dinner and a 1-2 with dinner on the weekend nights. That did add up to quite a bit, so it was easy to cut it out and replace with diet soda or water. That let me eat more solid food. That said, I do put some bourbon in the soda occasionally, but even then the calories are a lot lower than beers.

Roxiegirl2008

I just plan it into my calories. I would make sure to have a good workout and I would only have a few on Saturday night. I did end up cutting that down a lot because I started to train for a marathon and lets face it to run when hung over is no fun.

SilverRose89

I drink, probably too much, and still lose.

It's a reason why I don't lose quicker but I'm ok with that. I've cut down and switched to lower calorie choices (used to love the Jagerbombs on a night out!) and fit it into my day. It's fine

rjsnau

As everyone says, if it fits in it is fine. I love a good craft beer but when I started counting I realized I would much rather have a scoop of ice cream rather than a drink so that is what I do. I pretty much cut out any drink with calories as I would rather eat food. Once I am done loosing I plan to add beer back into the mix while still holding a maintaining calorie amount.

emaybe

Drinking is the reason I "eat back" my exercise calories... I'm still losing.

Azexas

I still enjoy a glass or two of beer/wine every now and then. I just make sure that I have enough calories for the day.