BIRTHDAY ALCOHOL OPINION

imissbagels
imissbagels Posts: 166 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have been working extremely hard to lose weight. Today is day 26 and I have already lost 14 pounds! Here's the thing...

I'm going out for my birthday tonight and I was wondering what I can do to not gain weight from it. Or, at least, not a lot of weight that I can't work off in a few days. I had a good breakfast and will have a light lunch. For dinner I think I am eating out and will try to make a smart decision. But as for the alcohol... its gonna happen BIG TIME. (Please don't judge, I don't get out much being a single mom and turning 25 is scary).

What are your suggestions or dos/donts for drinking? Anything high in calories or "extra" bad for me I should steer clear from? Anything you've heard thats light and I can have a lot of?

Thanks for your feedback!
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Replies

  • Smamfa
    Smamfa Posts: 139 Member
    Happy birthday:) Your best bet is to stick to spirits and diet mixers and slip a few glasses of water in here and there. Have a great night, don't worry too much, it's only one night!
  • Poofy_Goodness
    Poofy_Goodness Posts: 229 Member
    My personal opinion is that one night of excess is not going to completely derail you. If it is just one night and you won't use it as an excuse to go off the wall with your eating for 2 weeks, and to not exercise because reasons, then just enjoy your birthday and do what you like.

    Yes, you may see an increase in the scale that lasts a couple of days. No big deal.

    Do what you want tonight, go back to your regimen tomorrow and don't weigh yourself for a week so you don't feel guilty.

    Happy birthday!
  • BeLightYear
    BeLightYear Posts: 1,450 Member
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    Take a day off and enjoy yourself, I would :drinker: :drinker:
  • jess135177
    jess135177 Posts: 186 Member
    Its one day. If you want to drink then drink. It wont kill you.
  • branflakes1980
    branflakes1980 Posts: 2,516 Member
    I leave room for a drink every day. I need it to unwind and relax. I have children as well. Very Occasionally I will go out on a weekend for a girls night out and have way more than just one drink. It's okay. One night of drinking for me hasn't really effected my results. I do not suggest that you skimp on the food so you can drink more as you will likely end up way drunker than you want to be way sooner than you want to be. As long as it is not a regular thing I think you will be fine. I also don't think you will gain a significant amount of weight from one night out.

    Vodka mixed with diet anything is probably the least amount of calories in a drink.

    Steer clear of beer, more calories, and makes you feel bloated and full.

    Happy Birthday, have fun, be safe and please don't drive :)
  • wanttolose40lbs
    wanttolose40lbs Posts: 239 Member
    It's only one night, don't worry about it and have fun
  • luhman
    luhman Posts: 12 Member
    You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
  • kittenful
    kittenful Posts: 318 Member
    When I go out with my friends, I like to have a few drinks. I allot room for them in my food diary -and- dance the night away.

    It's your birthday, go have fun!
  • caraherch
    caraherch Posts: 34
    One day is fine. The problem with alcohol is not only the calories, but that it makes it harder to burn calories/fat for a day or two afterwards. So just eat super clean the next few days and enjoy your birthday!
  • brewji
    brewji Posts: 752 Member
    It's your birthday. It happens once a year. Honestly, I'd say just do what makes you happy!

    But if you really want to not stress out: Diet Mixed Drinks + Bread to soak it all up (and water to avoid hangover).

    Besides that, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Your standards can reach an all time low at the bar and nobody can judge you!
  • fougamou
    fougamou Posts: 200 Member
    Like everyone says, don't stress about it.

    Chances are you will not eat enough calories to gain but a fraction of a pound. If the scale goes up, mostly likely it is water retention.

    Personally, I would probably chose to have a glass of water between drinks so that I don't drink too much. But that is more personal preference.
  • JewelsinBigD
    JewelsinBigD Posts: 661 Member
    Alcohol hates my body and the fact that you have lost so much so fast makes me think this is going to be a bad thing for you. Try to drink a lot of water and I hate to say it but try to eat and drink separately. If you eat a big meal while drinking - all of the food will be sent to your thighs. Your body will burn the alcohol and store the food. When I eat and drink together - I gain 3 pounds per drink- not kidding.
    Also stick with clear alcohol and water or diet drinks. no sweet drinks- they are loaded with calories and most of the skinny stuff tastes terrible anyway.
    Good luck - and work your butt off the next week - it should fall back off.
  • RllyGudTweetr
    RllyGudTweetr Posts: 2,019 Member
    Enjoy your birthday. Tomorrow is another day.

    I'm a little concerned about the notion that you've lost 14 pounds in 26 days, though; that's not generally a sustainable rate.
  • mteague277
    mteague277 Posts: 145 Member
    vodka soda, vodka on the rocks with a lime wedge, tequila on the rocks with some lime, rum and diet coke.
    My favorite is vodka soda or vodka on the rocks. Just the calories of the alcohol and nothing added. Its my birthday today too! Happy birthday! Have fun and don't stress too much, it is ONE night.
  • Twinmamamarion
    Twinmamamarion Posts: 33 Member
    Amstel Light! It's like 99 calories, and tastes like actual beer. If you're into beer. :)

    Happy Birthday!!!
  • richardositosanchez
    richardositosanchez Posts: 260 Member
    It's your birthday, enjoy yourself and don't worry about it. You have the next day and rest of the year to get back on track.
  • MissingMinnesota
    MissingMinnesota Posts: 7,486 Member
    flavored vodka and soda (not cola but soda water) is 64 calories. Shots = more bang for the buck calorie wise. Those are what I usually stick to when I go out to the bar.
  • kbkeats
    kbkeats Posts: 103 Member
    Psh it's your bday! Enjoy a few shots!
    Otherwise, I tend to stick with white rum & diet coke, or red wine
  • mhyla001
    mhyla001 Posts: 3
    Its one day, chances are the amount of alcohol/food you consume wont even add a pound to your weight. Having a cheat isnt that bad either because mentally it will allow you to release cravings for a day. In the long run it might refocus because a lot of people quit the diet because its to much for them, one day will not damage you.
  • NatalieG525
    NatalieG525 Posts: 65 Member
    Forget the worries for one night, and just have fun :) You could always dance off the calories if going to a club after or something ;) lol
  • firesweetheart
    firesweetheart Posts: 92 Member
    I actually had to deal with this for my birthday a little while ago. I knew I was going to enjoy myself that night so I just eat decently throughout the day, had a meal I don't normally eat anymore (Yes, that means a burger AND fries, gasp). Had lots of water during the day and at dinner. Then focused on whiskey and diet mixers and enjoying my night. I went over my daily amount but I was back at the gym and eating right the next day. Didn't derail me one bit.

    And....happy birthday! Have a great night and let us know how you did :flowerforyou:
  • _HeartsOnFire_
    _HeartsOnFire_ Posts: 5,304 Member
    It's one night, it's okay.

    Enjoy your birthday. That's what you should be doing.

    1 day/night won't ruin your whole weight loss journey.
  • anglhart
    anglhart Posts: 5
    @ jewlesin BigD...You can say "I'm not kidding" about gaining 3lbs per drink, but I can you you're not being honest...that's just stupid. No one gains three pounds per drinkg I don't care who you are or your body type. the only way you're gaining 3 lbs per drink is if the drink is 3500 cals and you're also eating another 7000 calories with eah drink. Your advice is disappointing to say the least.
  • mrslcoop
    mrslcoop Posts: 317 Member
    Like everyone else has said one day will NOT derail you. You couldn't even eat enough calories to gain a pound. (Beware that if you go out you might be ingesting a lot of salt and the scale will be high for a day or two).

    If you're really worried, avoid drinks like margaritas and heavily mixed drinks as they carry quite the punch of calories. Things like clear liquors and IMHO wine have the most bang for your buck while saying lower on the calorie end.

    On my birthday I drink 3-4 glasses of red wine... that's tops less than 500 calories in alcohol.
  • cricket_77
    cricket_77 Posts: 165 Member
    You will likely retain water after a night of drinking so just be prepared that the scale might go up some. But remember, it's just that...your body retaining water. Drink plenty of fluids the next few days and you should see your weight level back out.

    Additionally, remember that it takes an extra 3500 cals over maintenance for you to gain 1 lb. It sounds like a night out is not a common thing for you, so have fun and don't worry too much about it.
  • norcalskater
    norcalskater Posts: 194 Member
    Before you go out make sure you have an excess in calories. I went out drinking last weekend with about 600 calories left over and I still maintained the same weight and it's been 5 days now. Beer will add up in calories quick, I think about 4-5 shots is equivalent to about 2 beers depending what you are drinking. Drink plenty of water too and have a great time!
  • TarynAngeline
    TarynAngeline Posts: 95 Member
    Vodka waters with lime and dance ;) Have fun!
  • lisalsd1
    lisalsd1 Posts: 1,519 Member
    My birthday is on Sunday (34 this year). I'm drinking a little tonight and moderately tomorrow night. I hit the gym hard this morning, and I plan to hit the gym hard tomorrow morning.

    Here's the wisdom that comes with old age, don't drink light beer. It's gross. If you drink 9%+, you have to drink fewer also. Stronger beer tastes better, doesn't have ridiculously more calories, and you don't have to consume the same volume as light beer to feel some happy effects. I'd have to drink at least 6 light beers...at 100 calories; that's 600 cals. I already checked MFP and my 9% has just over 300 cals for 22 oz. I'm set.
  • bjg2993
    bjg2993 Posts: 107
    I go out drinking a lot (student life y'know) and by that I mean usually at least twice a week. What you should do is try to cover at least some of the alcohol calories using your daily allowance (for me I usually make sure I have at least 400cal left after dinner) and I try to exercise to burn off the rest e.g walking 10-20 mins instead of a cab, dancing around clubs etc. That way you burn off a lot of it. Stick to lower calorie drinks, e.g vodka and diet coke or shots of course etc.

    However, as it is your birthday you shouldn't worry about the calories!

    Happy Birthday :)
  • internetsignup
    internetsignup Posts: 2
    I do heavy cardio on the days I plan on indulging. i.e. kill 500'ish+ calories and I am good to go with anything I want, beer or whatever. Since I enjoy beer, I get plenty of cardio. I also ensure that I never exceed my TDEE if I do add calories above and beyond my daily goal.

    cheers.

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