ALCOHOL!!

littledante
littledante Posts: 85 Member
edited November 22 in Health and Weight Loss
Really love a glass of wine or beer when I cook in the evenings. But I have been warned it is really easy to drink your calories. Have decided to give up Starbucks, hot chocolate and fizzy drinks but don't really want to give up alcohol in order to lose weight.... anyone else have this issue?

Replies

  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
    Moderation is the key in my opinion.
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Make a glass fit into your calories.
  • loumrn
    loumrn Posts: 63 Member
    It was actually alcohol that caused me to pile on the weight. Partying too hard after a break up. Wine and beer being my faves but also the worst for cals. Maybe try swapping for a gin and slimline tonic? Or vodka soda?
  • Blueseraphchaos
    Blueseraphchaos Posts: 843 Member
    I haven't given up alcohol...just found lower-calorie options and try to make sure it fits into my day.
  • tyoung8
    tyoung8 Posts: 115 Member
    i agree. Liquor is what made me pile on weight as well. Drinking heavily leads to eating heavily. do it in moderation and make sure you log it so that it fits.
  • Luvzy
    Luvzy Posts: 30 Member
    Alcohol isn't just calories. It also affects rigid decision-making, discipline, and willpower. It's a lot harder to do a ton of dishes, laundry, cooking, gym bag, etc. prepping for the next healthy day if I'm intoxicated. And then the next day I'm much more likely to skip the gym, even if I'm not hung over because I still have that alcohol "haze." I've never been able to keep off weight while drinking regularly.

    Now I drink like once a month and accomplish nothing that day, which is fine, but it's rare for someone to be able to function at peak efficiently while incorporating regular alcohol consumption into their lives.
  • robspot
    robspot Posts: 130 Member
    Luvzy wrote: »
    Alcohol isn't just calories. It also affects rigid decision-making, discipline, and willpower.

    This! I went to a wedding a couple of weeks ago and decided to only drink Champagne because it's only about 100 calories a glass. What I neglected to consider however was the "alcohol effect" and after 4 glasses this plan went right out of the window and I ended up singing in the bar at 2am ****ed out of my head :/
  • AspenDan
    AspenDan Posts: 703 Member
    I've switched from beer to vodka and it makes things much easier =)
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    Moderation is the key in my opinion.

    Yes! Trying to use it as my one daily treat rather than as a drink in addition to a treat... seems to be working so far :0)
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    loumrn wrote: »
    It was actually alcohol that caused me to pile on the weight. Partying too hard after a break up. Wine and beer being my faves but also the worst for cals. Maybe try swapping for a gin and slimline tonic? Or vodka soda?

    Yes sweet rose/white or beer are my downfalls.... is gin lower in cals then?
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    robspot wrote: »
    Luvzy wrote: »
    Alcohol isn't just calories. It also affects rigid decision-making, discipline, and willpower.

    This! I went to a wedding a couple of weeks ago and decided to only drink Champagne because it's only about 100 calories a glass. What I neglected to consider however was the "alcohol effect" and after 4 glasses this plan went right out of the window and I ended up singing in the bar at 2am ****ed out of my head :/

    ha ha ha ha hilarious :smiley: any plan that involves only drinking champagne is bound to end badly... still love it though x
  • RiverMelSong
    RiverMelSong Posts: 456 Member
    I'm having 2 5oz glasses of wine tonight and I still have 165 calories left. For me it's all about moderation :)
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    Good plan RiverMelSong
  • loumrn
    loumrn Posts: 63 Member
    Yes sweet rose/white or beer are my downfalls.... is gin lower in cals then?[/quote]

    I think you just need much less of it to get a buzz. I certainly do
  • Tilly1285
    Tilly1285 Posts: 36 Member
    I'll have a lite beer every now and then, as long as it fits into my daily goal. No point in complete denial is my thought.
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    loumrn wrote: »
    I think you just need much less of it to get a buzz. I certainly do

    and it's yummy :smiley:
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    I budget in enough calories to drink a select alcoholic beverage. Just take a bit of planning and discipline.
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    I budget in enough calories to drink a select alcoholic beverage. Just take a bit of planning and discipline.

    my alcohol only comes up as calories and nothing else in the data... is that right?
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    I budget in enough calories to drink a select alcoholic beverage. Just take a bit of planning and discipline.

    my alcohol only comes up as calories and nothing else in the data... is that right?

    Possibly some carbs, but very minor. I find this very disappointing as I have always classified my Guinness as both dinner and beverage in one.
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    hee hee yes an easy meal :0) is it very high in calorie?
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    log it like you would log anything else.
    if it fits, I sip
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    moyer566 wrote: »
    log it like you would log anything else.
    if it fits, I sip

    ha ha ha ha That would be lush stitched on a pillow moyer "If it fits, I sip"
  • madhatter2013
    madhatter2013 Posts: 1,547 Member
    Not sure about the merit or if anyone thinks this site isn't credit worthy but here's what I know about alcohol and losing weight.

    "Alcohol -- The Preferred Fuel Over Fat

    Weight loss does not come easily for most people -- you must burn more calories than you take in, and it is a lot easier for most people to consume calories than it is to burn them. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrate both provide only 4 calories per gram. Although alcohol provides fewer calories per gram than fat -- fat provides 9 -- alcohol is your body's preferred fuel source, which means you must burn off all your alcohol calories before you start burning calories from the food you eat, thus inhibiting your fat burn."

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/280263-alcohol-fat-burning/
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    Not sure about the merit or if anyone thinks this site isn't credit worthy but here's what I know about alcohol and losing weight.

    "Alcohol -- The Preferred Fuel Over Fat

    Weight loss does not come easily for most people -- you must burn more calories than you take in, and it is a lot easier for most people to consume calories than it is to burn them. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrate both provide only 4 calories per gram. Although alcohol provides fewer calories per gram than fat -- fat provides 9 -- alcohol is your body's preferred fuel source, which means you must burn off all your alcohol calories before you start burning calories from the food you eat, thus inhibiting your fat burn."

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/280263-alcohol-fat-burning/

    Oh my.... that is very interesting.... slightly depressing... but very interesting and useful. Thanks...
  • sherbear702
    sherbear702 Posts: 650 Member
    One glass of wine, no big deal. Make it fit into your daily limit. I think where people get into trouble is when they binge drink. I can easily put away 5-6 beers in an evening. That comes out to about 900 calories. I can't drink just one, because where's the fun in that? If I'm gonna drink I want to catch a buzz. So, me, personally, I have to just not drink. I will on Friday and Saturday (days I don't have to work the next day), but even that hinders my weight loss.

    I think your best bet is to, like you already said, cut out Starbucks, soda, etc. Stick with water or tea and you will have plenty of calories to spare for your wine.
  • heathersmilez
    heathersmilez Posts: 2,579 Member
    edited August 2015
    BUT, doesn't everyone love how you weigh less the next day b/c you are dehydrated? That's a psychological bonus and can help you jump start a week if you've been eating/drinking a little too much lately.

    I ate 3,000 cals on Friday which included a burger and fries at 11:30 pm and woke up 3lbs lighter!! I wanted to make it a Facebook status but that crowd is going to haaaaaate that lol. I had 1500 cals Saturday and 1800 Sunday and I'm still at that low weight so it seemed to be a good jump start for me not that I would recommend drinking to lose weight, or maybe ;) lol

    The answer has been said already, moderation, lower-cal options i.e. Vodka soda or a glass of wine that is 1/2 tonic or soda water.
  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    One glass of wine, no big deal. Make it fit into your daily limit. I think where people get into trouble is when they binge drink. I can easily put away 5-6 beers in an evening. That comes out to about 900 calories. I can't drink just one, because where's the fun in that? If I'm gonna drink I want to catch a buzz. So, me, personally, I have to just not drink. I will on Friday and Saturday (days I don't have to work the next day), but even that hinders my weight loss.

    I think your best bet is to, like you already said, cut out Starbucks, soda, etc. Stick with water or tea and you will have plenty of calories to spare for your wine.

    Yes definitely feel that if I am to maintain my healthy diet then I mustn't get bored, so I am keeping in things I love and removing crap I don't care about e.g fizzy drinks. This seems to be working so far... have lost 5lbs... still early days... may have to cut down on something I love eventually.

    Diets in the past that have been too strict and boring have not worked for me. I am going on the one treat a day idea and that is the diet I have managed to maintain the longest.
  • biodigit
    biodigit Posts: 145 Member
    Luvzy wrote: »
    Alcohol isn't just calories. It also affects rigid decision-making, discipline, and willpower. It's a lot harder to do a ton of dishes, laundry, cooking, gym bag, etc. prepping for the next healthy day if I'm intoxicated. And then the next day I'm much more likely to skip the gym, even if I'm not hung over because I still have that alcohol "haze." I've never been able to keep off weight while drinking regularly.

    Now I drink like once a month and accomplish nothing that day, which is fine, but it's rare for someone to be able to function at peak efficiently while incorporating regular alcohol consumption into their lives.

    Good points.

    Alcohol not only adds the empty calories, but it will end up making you overeat. Just imagine how much one craves caloric-densed foods such as pizza and icecream!

    Depends on how much one has drank, people usually skipping out on their scheduled WOs the next day and even the day after.

    If you are going to drink, just make sure you're able to fit it in as part of your daily calories intake. Also, make sure it's the rest day the day after, since you wouldn't have the energy nor the motivation to workout. And more importantly, drink in moderation. These are the steps that I adhere by when I do drink, which is rare.
  • 20yearsyounger
    20yearsyounger Posts: 1,630 Member
    Not sure about the merit or if anyone thinks this site isn't credit worthy but here's what I know about alcohol and losing weight.

    "Alcohol -- The Preferred Fuel Over Fat

    Weight loss does not come easily for most people -- you must burn more calories than you take in, and it is a lot easier for most people to consume calories than it is to burn them. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrate both provide only 4 calories per gram. Although alcohol provides fewer calories per gram than fat -- fat provides 9 -- alcohol is your body's preferred fuel source, which means you must burn off all your alcohol calories before you start burning calories from the food you eat, thus inhibiting your fat burn."

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/280263-alcohol-fat-burning/

    I read this as well from other sources. Didn't stop me from having my daily drink and losing weight. Been maintaining for months now and I'm still drinking. However, I keep it within my calorie allowance. If none are left over, then I probably shouldn't be drinking.

  • littledante
    littledante Posts: 85 Member
    BUT, doesn't everyone love how you weigh less the next day b/c you are dehydrated? That's a psychological bonus and can help you jump start a week if you've been eating/drinking a little too much lately.

    I ate 3,000 cals on Friday which included a burger and fries at 11:30 pm and woke up 3lbs lighter!! I wanted to make it a Facebook status but that crowd is going to haaaaaate that lol. I had 1500 cals Saturday and 1800 Sunday and I'm still at that low weight so it seemed to be a good jump start for me not that I would recommend drinking to lose weight, or maybe ;) lol

    The answer has been said already, moderation, lower-cal options i.e. Vodka soda or a glass of wine that is 1/2 tonic or soda water.

    lol... may try ice in the wine to make it look like more wine :smile:
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