Booze and your workouts

sardelsa

Alcohol consumption and its affect on performance is a very personal thing. For me, I drink some wine or beer with dinner most nights (not enough to have any sort of hangover or anything) and I have found little to no affect on my training or ability to build muscle (when I was bulking).

Terpnista84

When I started out I would factor it into my calorie budget, but I just couldn't justify 500 calories on booze. Now I give myself 2 days a week to indulge. On one day it has to fit into my calorie budget and the other day is cheat day.

DopeItUp

troytroy11 wrote: »

Dopeitup that must be about 3 to 4 drinks a day?

Depends on how you look at it. It was one large-format bottle of beer most days. So 22-25.4 ounces of an 8-10% ABV beer typically. Roughly 500 calories. Some days more, some days less. This was every day for around 3 years, I had around 1200 unique beers in that time.

ScorpioJack_91

I haven't drink since last October but when I did..I usually drink after my workout on a Friday.

troytroy11

Olivia that is a very wise choice and a combo that has its potential of causing me to work out unintentionally so I try to avoid it however it sounds great!
Springfield best of luck when you do your try outs and you are right the list IS endless. Don't forget to have fun though that is the whole point.
Rachy that is funny how that happens isn't it? I can still pull an all nighter but my body is less forgiving now days.
4leighbee what calorie do you sacrifice for alcohol for your workouts? For me it is fat I don't like the way the two burn together.
Kristine I envy your ability to be sensitive to 3 drinks however the headache next day is not worth it. 18 mile run? Keep up the good work!
Curt the heavy calorie beer is something I really enjoy as well but I do switch to light and red beer in the hotter months. The added tomato helps.

troytroy11

Glevinso, do you rehydrate with the beer before water? I have done that on occasion but read that is bad. I feel no different when I do.
Sunglasses Corona is in fact lighter but it is almost like you have to put lemon or lime in it or something and that can be a hassle. It does have less calories.
Marlea I find the hardest thing of all is to consistently over time keep track of the drinks. Sometimes I want to lie to myself but I end up tracking the right amount. Thank you for saying it is a great post! It IS awesome to read what everyone is saying and VERY helpful. Thank you!
LoveFastBall it seems like the rum would be a little harder to work with considering what it is made from but you may actually be able to utilize those calories from the rum better than others. Instead of sprite, try just club soda and lemon juice?

troytroy11

Lonewolf I do not remember being hung over with whiskey in decent amounts. Not a bad choice really.

glevinso

troytroy11 wrote: »

Glevinso, do you rehydrate with the beer before water? I have done that on occasion but read that is bad. I feel no different when I do.

Well, it is fairly common for me to start and end my big rides at the local brew pub. At the end of 5+ hours in the saddle, there is nothing like dropping into the pub and ordering a giant beer. Granted I always start with a lighter one (no stouts, porters or anything like that). I usually will ask for a glass of water as well, but to be honest I rarely actually drink more than a few sips of it (I stay plenty hydrated while actually riding).

mrscouponer

AllanMisner wrote: »

I think it all comes down to balance. Just like we hear it is valuable to have a good work/life balance, it is important to have a good diet/life balance. Eat (and drink) to live, not the other way around. With that mindset, you can look at your goals, life events, etc. and decide what is best for you. Maybe it is periods of abstaining from alcohol to meet a fitness goal. Or maybe you know that Saturday with the guys is going to involve more than two beers and you cut back calories throughout the week to compensate.

I completely agree.... I don't drink to excess..... Rarely very ... But I do have 4-4 oz of wine... It's all about moderations and following your values and goals...

4leighbee

troytroy11 wrote: »

... 4leighbee what calorie do you sacrifice for alcohol for your workouts? For me it is fat I don't like the way the two burn together.

I am not organized enough to have a good answer for this. I watch sports and play pool once a week usually, and my favorite thing to eat at the bar (for "dinner") is melted cheese over French fries (small portion but lots of cheese). I am not your model MFP participant. I usually run long that day to build up my available calories and eat less of everything throughout the day so I can feel less guilty by the end of the evening. Not the "right" answer, but it is the truth. I also have the next day off so I can run long again. It works for me. I'm obviously not a perfectionist when it comes to this journey.

SonofNorthernDarkness

LoneWolfRunner wrote: »

I drink whiskey every night and get at 430 every morning to run...

You're my spirit animal

SonofNorthernDarkness

Honestly, if i could. I drink my carbs in the form of beer

troytroy11

Glevinso you have inspired me to try an experiment with light beer.
4leighbee the truth IS the right answer for me. I appreciate you keeping it true to what you are doing. That is one of the ways we learn, from each other's experiences. The fact that you admit you are human and indulge in pleasures once a week is awesome and why I posted this thread. I am looking for answers from people who have learned to managed this sort of thing. Not only is it possible to be fit and fun at the same time, but the fun especially is pretty much essential. Hey, don't forget the fries are loaded with potassium.