Alcohol

dmz1983

After a few days in Napa, it's hard for me to get back on track. We literally have been receiving shipments in the mail of wine since the day we returned. It's been hard not to try them! Last night I had at least 10 ounces (yes I know way too much for a woman). I'm trying my hardest to calculate the calories. My question is, even doing the best I can to count these calories, is it going to disrupt my weight loss efforts in some way? Does it mess with fat storage if it's processing alcohol? In the past, I've done really, really well when I cut back on alcohol. That's almost been my ticket to success but now I'm trying to count it more diligently. To make matters worse, the next few months I have so may alcohol fueled events, so I think this will be a balancing act until the holidays are over!

AnnPT77

They count like other calories. Alcohol is prioritized to be metabolized ASAP, but if you're in an overall calorie deficit, you'll net out to about the expected body fat gain/loss over time. Some people find it affects energy/fatigue, so that can affect calorie expenditure through reduced daily life activity or something like that.

In terms of the upcoming holiday season, just try to get overall good nutrition, drink enough water, moderate the alcohol to the extent you reasonably can, don't let it lower your inhibitions to the point of regularly over-eating, and you'll be fine.

Alcohol can be a challenge, but it needn't be a deal-breaker for weight loss.

Blythmag

I gave up drinking over 6 weeks ago, doesnt seem long but try doing it lol

Kimmotion5783

I know how you feel about weight loss versus drinking. It's hard for me to go out sometimes for dinner and keep it down to ONE drink, preferably a light beer when I'm tempted by calorie and sugar laden cocktails. But I put it all into perspective: I have a goal I want to achieve- weight loss- and the only way I'm going to do it is to stay focused. You can have that glass of wine, there's nothing wrong with that. It's all about moderation. You don't have to drink the entire bottle in one sitting (tempting though it may be). You can account for it in your calorie intake and work around it. There's no harm in that.

dmz1983

@AnnPT77 It's good to know that I can still make gains. It absolutely impacts my energy the next day. I feel my best when I am practicing moderation. One glass of wine. That's the sweet spot. Doesn't always work out that way. @holycrosser I have quit drinking entirely for a year and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I think it helped me learn that there is way more to life-I was in my mid twenties when everything was centered around a party. That's awesome that you have given it up for the last 6 weeks. I always admire people who don't drink. @Kimmotion5783 if you like cocktails, my husband and I have gotten really crafty at home with diet pops and flavored vodkas. I don't know which flavors you fancy but Effen Vodka has a cucumber lime that we love with diet sprit or diet 7up. Sometimes my husband puts a splash of Pom juice in it. I've gotten so I prefer our drinks at home now.

amy19355

I experienced so many positive benefits from cutting out alcohol. Beer was my downfall and my “all or nothing” personality cannot have just one and stop.

I sleep
Better; belly bloat is way down; and , maybe nicest of all - morning bathroom visits are much more pleasant and brief.

I don’t blurt out inappropriate comments at parties anymore, which is also nice!

CSARdiver

I've been on MFP for about 4 years now and been drinking alcohol throughout this process. Just add the calories like everything else and move on.

The difference in metabolic uptake occurs at the molecular level and meaningless for the purposes of this site or weight management in general.

ShayCarver89

I only let myself have some alcohol once a week because the empty calories. If I could I'd drink a bottle of wine every night before bed and sleep like an angel. You just have to ask yourself if its all worth it. It is calories, it will hinder your weight loss if you have too much of it. Just like if you continuously ate too much. But enjoy a little here and there. Log the calories, and keep truckin.