Drinking alcohol whilst dieting

Looking for a few pointers on drinking "healthier". Christmas is coming and while I'm not a big drinker, I tend to drink a lot in Decembers because that's when you get together with people you haven't seen for a while.. I only have a few events planned so I'm not too worried, but I just wondered if I could cut calories anywhere?

I like to drink:
- Sweet white wine
- Cocktails
- Fruit ciders
- Alcopops


Of course there's cutting drinks down so I won't go overboard but I wondered if anyone else had any tips? I've heard drinking spirits might be better? But I DON'T like Coke, so my mixers would have to be lemonade, orange juice or cranberry juice and they're full of sugar and most places don't stock diet lemonade! So that wouldn't make much difference really? I've heard having a non-alcoholic drink every other drink could help, but those mixers are still full of sugar.

Anyone got any pointers?
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Replies

  • I actually checked this out quite some time ago. I found that Vodka tonic was actually the best. I use diet tonic. Also a little trick I do. We buy select 55 which is only 55 cals. Since I am not a big beer fan but love the lemonade beers and such, I squirt a little Mio in and love it!
  • magerum
    magerum Posts: 12,589 Member
    Vodka water.
  • Cortelli
    Cortelli Posts: 1,369 Member
    Sipping straight spirits is one option. I like a decent tequila but you could do vodka, bourbon, scotch, rum, etc. You can have two shots in a tumbler (3oz) for around 200 - 240 calories and you are unlikely to gulp straight spirits down. Sip and nip over the course of 30 - 60 minutes and then follow it with a glass of water or two. I actually consider spirits my "treat" on most days and sip some before bed while reading or watching something stupid on TV. It's often more satisfying and calorie efficient to me than wine / beer / or cocktails.
  • CyberEd312
    CyberEd312 Posts: 3,536 Member
    I am a Beer drinker and tend to stick to Mich Ultra (95 calories) or Yuengling light lager (99 calories). I just fit it into my calorie intake..... Best of Luck
  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
    Ethanol is converted into acetaldehyde before it is metabolized and becomes harmless. Too much consumption of ethanol makes it so your body cannot convert the ethanol and acetaldehyde quick enough which can kill you. Alcohol is one of the deadliest, most dangerous, and most unhealthy things in the world to put into your body in large doses. But, boy, is it fun sometimes.

    In moderation it is fine and it will not hurt you or your diet. Once you step out of the moderation zone and into the binge drinking zone, you are in for some serious trouble.
  • Mischievous_Rascal
    Mischievous_Rascal Posts: 1,791 Member
    Vodka and water in a tall glass, next drink is plain water, and repeat.
  • SailorKnightWing
    SailorKnightWing Posts: 875 Member
    http://getdrunknotfat.com/

    Best site ever.
  • vodka and club soda .. and yes @uconnwinsnc we all know the chemical breakdown of alcohol .. so what .. have you seen the chemical breakdown of a hot dog?
  • Vodka and water in a tall glass, next drink is plain water, and repeat.
    good choice
  • eileen0515
    eileen0515 Posts: 407 Member
    Vodka, low sodium club soda, squeeze of lime.
  • BokBagok
    BokBagok Posts: 345
    Bourbon. It's pretty low calorie, tastes great, and you can spend a while sipping your glass. Even longer if you throw in an ice cube or two (although it's better neat). And it looks classy as hell, if that matters to you.
  • rose228822
    rose228822 Posts: 186 Member
    I am fortunate that when I drink I don't eat at all or very little, too busy playing cards or the slots lol....I will go to the casino for the weekend with my bf and I will probably eat a slice of pizza or a single chicken wing and drink my Captain Morgan spiced rum and diet coke and come back Sunday night dropping several pounds...it's called the liquid diet...or maybe it's being with him:)
    I would say enjoy your time and don't worry about the calories and drink plenty of water or dilute your drinks with lots of ice...have fun:)
  • CharityGC
    CharityGC Posts: 499 Member
    Vodka club soda with a splash of whatever juice you want.
  • TigerBite
    TigerBite Posts: 611 Member
    Vodka club soda with a splash of whatever juice you want.

    This, I usually just add a squeeze of lime ... Grey Goose or Ketel One
  • Escape_Artist
    Escape_Artist Posts: 1,155 Member
    Gin, beer and wine lover here

    Gin straight, beer I normally go for Canadian 67 and wine well just being careful about it.

    make sure you fit it into calories and you should be all good! Lost weight drinking a glass almost every night with dinner :drinker:
  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
    vodka and club soda .. and yes @uconnwinsnc we all know the chemical breakdown of alcohol .. so what .. have you seen the chemical breakdown of a hot dog?

    Consuming 21 shots of blended or single malt hotdogs on your 21st birthday will make you throw up but it won't send you to the emergency room. Surprisingly, a lot of people aren't aware of how alcohol is broken down. I was just giving a little background information on why alcohol is a very dangerous liquid because it isn't fair for people to be told it is dangerous without knowing the reason.
  • I love trying different craft beers, but diet root beer and whiskey is my go to these days.
  • Brunette122
    Brunette122 Posts: 107 Member
    jeremiah weed (sweet tea vodka) mixed with water. its awesome!
  • FindingAmy77
    FindingAmy77 Posts: 1,266 Member
    Have you tried the skinny margarita brand? or the light margarita ville ? both already have the alcohol in it and is like around 200 cals for a drink. You could substitute your juice mixers for water with crystal light. That cuts down on calories too. I do this when I go out to a bar. Stick with your lighter alcohols and stay away from creams or liquers... they have way too much caloires for the tiny amount suggested. I would also try to drink lots of water while consuming alcohol. iT helps keep you hydrated so you can really enjoy what you drink and not worry too much about the caloires. You could try mixing soda or tonic in with your vodka and garnish with limes. Dam all this makes me want a yummy margarita now. Have fun at your parties.
  • tiggerlgh
    tiggerlgh Posts: 73 Member
    I drink a glass of red wine 4 -5 nights a week 5 oz is just over 100 calories. I just measure it out and plan it in my calories. So far there has been no affect on my weight loss.