Should I give up red wine?

Lollops

So I drink a lot of alcohol...... I can give up food easier than alcohol sometimes......... like about 2 years ago I ate nothing (not even a crumb) for almost 3 weeks...... but I still drank alcohol....... hahahaha not the best move, I know!

Well, up until today, I usually drink like half a bottle of sherry a day! But today I decided to switch to red wine, I heard it's actually good for the heart to have a little red wine each day.

So, I'm thinking about trying to keep it to about 2 glasses a day...... can anyone give me their thoughts on this please? It might seem quite idiotic but.......

Thank you!

PennyNickel14

If you think you have a problem or can not live without the booze. You should look up your local AA program.

I do drink in moderation and it has not hurt my weight loss.

But if you even think you might have a problem giving it up - reach out for help

There is even a sober club on MFP

mandylooo

If you think you have a problem or can not live without the booze. You should look up your local AA program.

I do drink in moderation and it has not hurt my weight loss.

But if you even think you might have a problem giving it up - reach out for help

There is even a sober club on MFP

Great advice.

spennato

I used to enjoy Captain and Coke, but gave it up because I was trying cut empty calories. I d not think there is a problem with drinking a glass or two of wine a day. But just remember approx 3500 calories = 1lb and 136 Calories per glass x2x7=1904 Calories. That is a little over 1/2 lb of empty calories,

mamitosami

A *little* alcohol. And not a little compared to what you are consuming. A small glass maybe, like 4 oz. And maybe only once or twice a week, this is to reap the health benefits. I don't believe you should give it up, unless you have a problem, then, yes, you should give it up. Otherwise, moderate it. Everything in moderation. I do still drink red wine and I've lost a lot of weight and have kept it off for almost 7 months. But I drink very infrequently. I think you can drink alcohol and lose weight. But if you need help, seek it out.

Good luck.

hsk1019

Drinking 2 glasses seems reasonable, but I would not make a habit of it (daily). Keep in mind they are empty calories and can affect your triglycerides if you drink in excess. Make sure you track what you drink. You may find it eye opening to 1) see how many calories it is and 2) realize what a 5oz. pour is!

annemckee

I enjoy a drink and sometimes manage to find the calories to allow myself a couple. I have noticed though that keeping count and doing a lot more exercise has meant I naturally am drinking less and sometimes I just can't be bothered any more. Christmas will be a different story perhaps!

Lollops

Thank you all for your replies!

Haha I don't think I have a problem though - I think I could give up the alcohol, I just wondered everyones opinion on red wine =]

I only drink in social situations anyway, never alone. It's usually my boyfriend and I who enjoy a drink together.

I think I'll look into how many calories are in each glass and if it's too many, I'll give it up.

Thank you all so much again! Great advice from everyone! This site is so great!

BerryH

Red wine is by far my favourite booze, and I find it quite self-limiting - unlike with spirits or beers, I can tell exactly how drunk I'm getting!

I've got a wine glass that's a single unit size (125ml - far smaller than most pub measures) and that makes six glasses from a bottle, making it last two or three days. But I found it a very easy habit to get into, so make sure you have a break.

Make sure you have at least a couple of completely booze-free days a week - don't buy that bottle on the way home from work, it'll never stay unopened!. Your liver will thanks you for it! Added bonus - you'll feel more motivated to work out and won't mindlessly eat the snacks that inevitably come with drinking.

Also, have a glass of water (I like sparkling) alongside each glass. Really slows you down and prevents the dehydrating effects.

Good luck!

Missjulesdid

I treat red wine as a snack and count the calories accordingly. Just make sure you're measuring the amount you're drinking... a "glass" can vary in size!

I like to have one large (6 ounce) glass three or four days a week. It's healthy and I don't mind sacrificing something to make up the 150 calories! I do not view red wine as "empty calories" as it can have many protective health benefits when consumed in moderation. If you're going to drink, red wine is the way to go!

Lollops

Thanks so much!

I might invest in the smallest glass I can find - or start using my novelty tiny tea cut set instead haha

And yeah - I hate the dehydration that comes with it!

BerryH

Oh, and I have a custom "booze" section in my diary. It makes for a bit of an eye-opener if you think you may be downing a bit too much!

HonkyTonks

I like to drink 1 or 2 every couple of days.
If you think it is a problem, I agree that AA or some similar form of counselling would work.