Choices during a night out?

MegRuthie

I'm 22. I don't go out to bars or clubs too often. However, when I do, its a long night. It is nearly impossible with a group of 20-somethings to turn down free drinks or to say "I'll just have one tonight..."

Since these nights are few and far between, should I just stick with what I enjoy and work my butt off later? Or is there a drink I could be ordering that is a better choice when I'm splurging like that? Since I'm way past the drink-until-you-pass-out kind of night, I've gotten to where I'll ask for water every other time someone buys another round. Is this enough or am I sabotaging my progress?

AlyssaDMurphy

The main thing is to stay away from drinks that use syrups, fruit juices or regular calorie soda. That really limits the stuff you drink though.(Especially if you like fruity stuff like me). I would say just ask the bartender. Chances are he/she might have some good idea for you, or research drinks before you go out to find out what drinks would be the best choice.

zen_cln

This doesn't really help with the fact of being "out" and all but I have found that vendors are making low fat mixes to make daiquiris or margaritas and such. (I may be wrong but I doubt most bars and other places carry sugar free versions)

peggy1209

most bars have skinny margaritas

everything in moderation . . . .

peggy1209

most bars have skinny margaritas

everything in moderation . . . .

misschristi

i try to still have as much fun as possible while on my weight loss journey, so i usually drink a rum and diet bc then you only are getting about 100 cals from the alcohol.

deadmittens

Have you ever read Eat This, Not That. ?
I started and it has been incredibly helpful! They have so many tips to teach you what to pick when you're out to eat. It's a REALLY helpful blog/twitter. I know... the books are probably good too, but the twitter is fantastic!!

http://twitter.com/#!/EatThisNotThat

TAWoody

:drinker: To keep your manhood intact I don't recommend the skinny margaritas. Have light beers or something hard on the rocks or straight up. Whiskey on the rocks is good on calories and you'll be the bad a** of the group for not just drinking Bud Light. :drinker: EDIT! Sorry, I thought the poster was the male in the profile picture. Cheers either way.

MegRuthie

EDIT! Sorry, I thought the poster was the male in the profile picture. Cheers either way.

Haha, sorry! I realized when I signed up that I literally don't have any recent photos of just me. But I'll give my man your advice! lol

Tullly

Vodka lime and soda is always and easy drink to get while out. When I'm just at home I realllly like Vodka, lime, lemon, light ginger beer and crushed mint. There lighter in calories but like everything, moderation.

abalicious

I'm all about having a "treat night." I hardly ever go out either but I did last weekend. Got about 7 drinks that were sugary and then 3 shots. I didn't even bother logging the calories or even thinking about it. If it's not a frequent thing that you drink a lot then I wouldn't worry about it, just be super good with calories and exercise the next few days and its fine.

sharesb

I enjoy a good night out - probably more than most people....lol..I always drink vodka, soda water with a slice of lime....they are about 70 calories a drink and the best thing is I never get a hangover! lol.....

HungryMom

Alternating alcoholic beverages with water is an excellent idea; I admit I have some trouble with that one though. Skinny margaritas are great. Also I like flavored vodkas and diet coke. They are less than 70 calories per ounce, and there are so many to choose from. Cheers! :drinker:

coolsmartygirl

Thanks for this question, I'm 22 as well! I go out once or twice a month. For both of those times I just didn't put the calories in and tried not to worry about it as much. I need to work on making it once every three months instead!

Good luck to everyone :]

mrudzinski

I found this website, and I love it if you're drinking to get drunk.

http://getdrunknotfat.com/

But since you're just drinking socially, you really can't go wrong with diet coke and vodka. or rum and diet coke.

theflyingartist

Right! The clearer the liquid, the less of a hangover you're going to get. Not to mention, the calories. There are not many in clear alcohols. Pairing vodka with lime, grapefruit, mint..what have you is a great sipping drink to have while out with friends.
Most of the time I just say "I'm taking it easy tonight," and no one offers more drinks to me because, well, they know I'm just not the drink-till-I'm-gone kind of person that night. Which is no biggie, it's all about enjoying the time with friends anyways!

MaryD4900

cherry or strawberry vodka with water. take crystal lite packets with you to add... good and very low cal!