Drinking alcohol
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best of luck on your journey
you're right. And so, she's an alcoholic because alcohol is "mind altering"?
And day in and day out people post about having one cookie and then another....
Um, the OP said that they have a beer, then they have another, and another and can't stop themselves. That's actually pretty much the definition of a problem. You don't have to get blind drunk every time you dink to have a dependency. If you require a 6 pack to have a good time, you have a drinking problem.
But....cookies aren't a mind altering substance like alcohol
Wouldn't that mean everyone who drinks is an alcoholic?
I'm not arguing for drinking, just wondering why the default response of many is to declare strangers on the internet alcoholics because they like beer, and drink too many calories of it.
I just wonder if the same posters diagnose eating disorders based on too many calories from cookies.
I never said anyone was an alcoholic. Not being able to refuse alcohol in whatever form does indicate a dependency which may turn into full blown alcoholism depending on personal addiction tendencies. I know I am an addict, I was addicted to tobacco and for a while I was what I consider to be a functioning alcoholic, i.e. refusing alcohol was quite hard because there was always a shrug of the shoulders and 'hey, why not, life'd short". Now only have an occasional glass of wine if I'm eating out and stick to that. With my addictive personality I will make sure to stay clear of crack cocaine, because in five minutes I will be in the gutter!0 -
Um, the OP said that they have a beer, then they have another, and another and can't stop themselves. That's actually pretty much the definition of a problem. You don't have to get blind drunk every time you dink to have a dependency. If you require a 6 pack to have a good time, you have a drinking problem.
Where the hell did the OP say that? I've gone through this thread twice and didn't see it. If you can't understand that a person may enjoy drinking a 6-pack every once in a while without necessarily being an alcoholic (I'm one of those folks), you have no life. Notice that I didn't say 'need'.I never said anyone was an alcoholic. Not being able to refuse alcohol in whatever form does indicate a dependency which may turn into full blown alcoholism depending on personal addiction tendencies. I know I am an addict, I was addicted to tobacco and for a while I was what I consider to be a functioning alcoholic, i.e. refusing alcohol was quite hard because there was always a shrug of the shoulders and 'hey, why not, life'd short". Now only have an occasional glass of wine if I'm eating out and stick to that. With my addictive personality I will make sure to stay clear of crack cocaine, because in five minutes I will be in the gutter!
While I can sympathize with the sentiment, and definitely agree that for some people this may be a problem, it's not always the same thing with everyone. To the extent that the OP recognizes that the issues with weight loss may be linked to exessive alcohol consumption and is wondering on strategies to reduce consumption (while also being willing and able to act on those strategies), I'm pretty sure that rules out alcoholism. Could it, conceivably, become alcoholism? Sure. I could also conceivably jump out the window of my 21st floor office. Doesn't mean I'm likely to do it. Equating alcoholism with 'hey guys, I drink a few beers 2 or 3 times a week and need to cut back so I can lose weight but I really enjoy those beers' grossly simplifies a very real and serious condition that some people are facing.0 -
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Choose what is more important, beer or looking good and feeling better. It isn't simple but it is easy. If you're not prepared to stop drinking then stop complaining that you aren't losing weight. You can't have both.
Ummm...yes you can.
mod·er·a·tion /ˌmädəˈrāSHən / noun:
-The avoidance of excess or extremes, esp. in one's behavior or political opinions.
-The action of making something less extreme, intense, or violent.0 -
I am right there with you. I love a good drink. I am all about wine and craft beer.
Unfortunately, I am seeing that I can't drink and lose weight. At least, that is what the scale is telling me. So, I am going to give it up for the rest of the month to see if that is indeed the case. Literally do exactly what I am doing now except for no more alcohol.
We shall see.
All of our bodies are different. Impossible to say that what works for one person will work for another. I just know that drinking is not helping me at all!0 -
GREAT point. The OP never said they "can't stop themselves".Um, the OP said that they have a beer, then they have another, and another and can't stop themselves. That's actually pretty much the definition of a problem. You don't have to get blind drunk every time you dink to have a dependency. If you require a 6 pack to have a good time, you have a drinking problem.
Where the hell did the OP say that? I've gone through this thread twice and didn't see it. If you can't understand that a person may enjoy drinking a 6-pack every once in a while without necessarily being an alcoholic (I'm one of those folks), you have no life. Notice that I didn't say 'need'.
When someone talks about their potato chip calories, folks chime in and remind them to eat with in their calories. Even when they're replying to a 15 year old girl who wants to weigh 80LBS. sigh. I don't see too many folks (there are a few) offering useful advice when it comes to beer calories.0 -
I still drink one glass of red wine each night and have still been losing weight as I include it in my calorie count for the day and no longer eat cheetos but have switched to raw veggies :drinker:0
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I allow myself 11 ounces of white or red if I want it. I don't eat a lot of crap food either.I still drink one glass of red wine each night and have still been losing weight as I include it in my calorie count for the day and no longer eat cheetos but have switched to raw veggies :drinker:
:drinker: And I'm doing just fine. Not many menopausal women can say they have a BMI of 21 and regularly run 5K.
Wine MUST be evil lol:happy:0 -
I allow myself 11 ounces of white or red if I want it. I don't eat a lot of crap food either.I still drink one glass of red wine each night and have still been losing weight as I include it in my calorie count for the day and no longer eat cheetos but have switched to raw veggies :drinker:
:drinker: And I'm doing just fine. Not many menopausal women can say they have a BMI of 21 and regularly run 5K.
Wine MUST be evil lol:happy:
Both of you, quickly, get help before it's too late!0 -
I'm not a beer drinker, but am fond of Bacardi Rum. I still have my rum but make sure I stay within my calorie goal (most times) for the day/week. The whole idea, IMO, of this website is to create a healthier LIFESTYLE. This does include drinking if that's part of your lifestyle. No, alcohol may not be healthy, but it's still part of having a social life for some and can be incorporated into your healthy eating and exercising. I say go for it!! Drink your beer. :drinker:0
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When I went for my physical last year I asked my doc if it was okay if I had a glass or two of wine most nights. He said no. I looked horrified and then he smiled and said: the other nights are jealous. :-)
I allow myself 11 ounces of white or red if I want it. I don't eat a lot of crap food either.I still drink one glass of red wine each night and have still been losing weight as I include it in my calorie count for the day and no longer eat cheetos but have switched to raw veggies :drinker:
:drinker: And I'm doing just fine. Not many menopausal women can say they have a BMI of 21 and regularly run 5K.
Wine MUST be evil lol:happy:
Both of you, quickly, get help before it's too late!
Then we talked some more. HE drink 1-2 adult beverages a night as well.0 -
Love beer 2...I fit it in my plan and it works for me, lost all my weight and kept it off a year, while still enjoying beer regularly:-)0
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Love LOVE love wine. In fact, I love drinking a glass or two on the weeknights when I get home from work. Plus I drink mixed drinks and/or beer socially on the weekends while out to eat with friends or hanging out in the shop. :drinker:
I figured that as much as I love drinking wine after I get home from work, I'm trying to make it a "treat" and limit it to once or maybe twice a week. I've actually figured out I like sipping on herbal tea in the evenings almost as much as I like sipping on wine. It even feels somewhat like a treat when I drink it... but at ZERO calories!0 -
Haha! I like the concept of beer being liquid bread- they are two of my downfalls as well. I live in a super beer town, and it's hard not to have plans based around it. I've never really been successful in losing any weight if I'm still drinking anything alcoholic- HOWEVER, this past week I've been trying to compensate with more exercise, and just having AH beer instead of 3-ish, and I think I've actually lost a pound (for the first time in a LONG time) so yay! My advice is - hmm... let me think about what my advice is. I guess, if you're serious about losing weight, I'd cut out the beer completely for a while. Then bring it back in slowly once you reach your goal. However, if you can't cut it out completely, then limit it to certain days of the week, and certain amounts at a time. And if you still can't limit it, then maybe beer is more important than weight loss. It's about priorities, I'm finding out unfortunately.
But this site really helps with encouragement and ideas and support, so keep checking in! Also, I find that as long as I'm drinking SOMETHING when I'm out with friends, it doesn't matter if it's alcoholic or not- so bring your own sparkling water, or have a bartender pour you a soda water with lime- then it looks fancy, has a satisfying bubble to it, but no calories! (wait, does soda water have no calories? whatever it is- sparkling water, diet soda every now and again- just something to sip on)
Good luck! It's hard, but it's worth it!
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Ok - those who are acting like this person has a problem because they can't NOT drink... that's ridiculous and unsupportive and just don't reply. It's called a social life... I completely understand. One of my weaknesses is that during the week I am on a very strict diet and then on the weekends when my boyfriend and I go out to dinner or drinks with friends, music festivals, family bbq's, etc. the drinks add up and the next thing you know, it's Monday and your calorie intake the past 2-3 days has set you back!! I think it is just really important to log those drinks into MFP and really stick to them. If you know ahead of time you are going to a specific restaurant and you will have two glasses of cab - log it and then really stick to it. Also, my friends and I have researched trying to find the lowest calorie drinks... bloody marys, vodka soda with a lemon and lime, bacardi and diet...It is really hard... I know ! You have a goal you want to achieve but you also want to have a good time and live life. Good luck!!
If a person absolutely can't be in a social setting without drinking alcohol, there is a problem. If a person can't stop after just one or two drinks, there is a problem.
The key to losing weight while still enjoying life is moderation. If, for whatever reason, moderation doesn't work, certain things need to be eliminated from the diet.
And, not drinking isn't really that difficult. Pregnant women give up alcohol all the time. It's not the end of the world. It doesn't ruin a person's social life. Drinking isn't the only way to enjoy friends and life.0 -
I hardly think she has a drinking problem, people. I would just reserve it for a couple nights a week.0
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If you cannot stop yourself from drinking one after another after another, you will not lose weight. Not sure what you want, but I can't give you self-control0
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My only big problem is when I drink even just 1 or 2 I want to eat ****ty greasy bad for me food.... That really doesn't help
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Yeah, this is why I gained weight. Two or more beers a night and then some more on the weekend can really ruin your awesome bod. Sad but true. You will have to stop if you want to lose weight. Once you get closer to your goal you can reward yourself occassionally but that's about it.0
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I hardly think she has a drinking problem, people. Having a few beers does not qualify as being a Alcoholic.
I liked your unedited post better 0 -
me too!I hardly think she has a drinking problem, people. Having a few beers does not qualify as being a Alcoholic.
I liked your unedited post better0 -
I drink beer. I lost weight. I've kept a low BF% without giving up my beer.
Some weeks I may have 1-2 beers for the entire week. Others I may have 1-2 a night for hte entire week. Sometimes I may go a couple weeks without a single beer.0 -
So I tend to drink a lot of my calories back in beer. Are there other people out there that have that problem? That is probably the main reason I am not losing as much weight as I could be. I try really hard not to drink but then I have a beer, and another, and another....what are other people doing to control this?
They are empty calories. And yes, its a good chance it's the reason you aren't losing. Alcohol is a toxin and your body will stop metabolize in order to eliminate the alcohol from the body. You just need to get rid of alcohol from your house. And maybe leave your drivers license in the car when you go to restaurants.
A calorie is a calorie. Beer is empty calories because you don't get nutrition with your calories, which is true of almost all caloric beverages. Milk and vegetable juices can be excepted from this, but almost all beverages with calories are empty calories. Your body will not "stop metabolize [sic] in order to eliminate the alcohol from the body." It will go right on burning calories. If beer is the cause of his not losing weight, it's because he's consuming more calories, NOT because alcohol magically makes him stop metabolizing food. Beer tends to have a lot of calories per serving.0 -
As much as I hated to admit it too, I can't drink and lose weight as quickly. Even if I "save" calories for alcohol my body just doesn't respond as well. Like a previous poster said it is a toxin so your body tries to metabolize it first. So I personally really have had to limit my consumption to the weekend or special events!
Good luck, take it a day at a time!
"...metabolize it first..." Even if that were true (and it's not), why would it matter? If I eat 20,000 calories this week and I burn 23,500, I'll lose a pound, no matter in what order the calories were burned. This stuff isn't magic, it's math. Calories are calories. No matter what they come from.0 -
Ok - those who are acting like this person has a problem because they can't NOT drink... that's ridiculous and unsupportive and just don't reply. It's called a social life... I completely understand. One of my weaknesses is that during the week I am on a very strict diet and then on the weekends when my boyfriend and I go out to dinner or drinks with friends, music festivals, family bbq's, etc. the drinks add up and the next thing you know, it's Monday and your calorie intake the past 2-3 days has set you back!! I think it is just really important to log those drinks into MFP and really stick to them. If you know ahead of time you are going to a specific restaurant and you will have two glasses of cab - log it and then really stick to it. Also, my friends and I have researched trying to find the lowest calorie drinks... bloody marys, vodka soda with a lemon and lime, bacardi and diet...It is really hard... I know ! You have a goal you want to achieve but you also want to have a good time and live life. Good luck!!
Um, the OP said that they have a beer, then they have another, and another and can't stop themselves. That's actually pretty much the definition of a problem. You don't have to get blind drunk every time you dink to have a dependency. If you require a 6 pack to have a good time, you have a drinking problem.
"Drinking problem" has no real meaning. "Alcohol Abuse" has a meaning and it is:DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Abuse
1. A maladaptive pattern of alcohol abuse leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one or more of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
a) Recurrent alcohol use resulting in failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household).
b) Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine).
c) Recurrent alcohol-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for alcohol-related disorderly conduct).
d) Continued alcohol use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the alcohol (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication or physical fights).
2. These symptoms must never have met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
"Alcohol Dependence" has a definition, and it is:DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Dependence
A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following seven criteria, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
a) A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
2. Withdrawal, as defined by either of the following:
a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (refer to DSM-IV for further details).
b) Alcohol is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
4. There is a persistent desire or there are unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol or recover from its effects.
6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
7. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the alcohol (e.g., continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).
We don't have enough information to say if the OP has a "problem" with alcohol abuse or dependence.0 -
Fitlink, your avator is the shiz.
That is all0 -
Yup! I know what you mean! Beer goes down nice and easy- rarely do I want just one. If I open a bottle of wine, especially a nice Pinot or Cab- forget it, my night is shot. What I've done is limit myself to alcohol only on Fridays and Saturdays (sometimes a bloody Mary on Sunday if I'm feeling the effects of the previous night), move my workouts to a later time in the evening and when I get home, I cook dinner ans shower. By the time that is all done it's too late for drinks.
You don't sound like an alcoholic, but it does sound like it may be a habit. My husband, mom, best friend and at one pint, myself have all been habitual drinkers, where it wasn't ruling our lives but it did become the norm to come home and crack a beer or pour a glass of wine.-All it took was a few nights off and suddenly the habit of reaching for a beer stops. And it makes the mornings easier too- I'm getting to a point where I can feel even one or two drinks in the AM. Good luck sweetie!0 -
I drink heavily 2 nights a week - but I just stick to vodka and diet coke/lemonade.
Ive lost 15 pounds in 3 and a half weeks doing this, so its working for me.
I know that alcohol is supposed to slow your metabolism, but the way i see it is - 5 days a week im a picture of healthy eating and exercise, then for 2 nights I drink low calorie alcohol drinks (maintaining exercise which is only every 20-30 minutes jogging).
You dont need to stop drinking, you just need to stop drinking beer, stick to spirits and diet mixers, and only get smashed about twice a week Its working brilliantly for me. 0 -
So I tend to drink a lot of my calories back in beer. Are there other people out there that have that problem? That is probably the main reason I am not losing as much weight as I could be. I try really hard not to drink but then I have a beer, and another, and another....what are other people doing to control this?
Know fully how you feel. On normal week I would drink baout 12 beers every evening, the only way I can do it with diet is I have to quite drinking, otherwise I am too tempted to finish the pack...I am even craving it as I am writing this. This is Day 3 for me with no booze, it's diffucult but I want to lose all this weight and be free from my need for beer.
I recommend finding something to keep you busy so you won't have to think much about beer. Have maybe 1 or 2 as reward once in a while or at social event but otherwise it's best to quite, it's way too easy to fall of the wagon when you have beer around.
Omg I am litterally talking myself out of the thought of buying any beer, my mind really badly wants to get a twelve pack after work, but I am going to battle it :devil:0 -
1-3 alcoholic beverages per day, along with exercise, is an essential component of my cardioprotective regime.0
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