How to Drink Alcohol...

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Replies

  • rachiech13
    rachiech13 Posts: 37 Member
    hahahah tell me you're kidding
  • AshS1050
    AshS1050 Posts: 43 Member
    bump. i want to try some of these low cal options!
  • jgollnick
    jgollnick Posts: 73 Member
    An average mixed drink is going to contain an 1 1/2 oz. of liquor which carries 90 to 100 calories. Thats our first problem. If you go to a bar thats not a night club and your a regular chances are the bartender will double that amount in your drink so your looking at about 200 calories just from liquor. Best mixers for a diet will be seltzer or diet soda. Diet soda you really shouldn't have too much of either. It delays the fat burning process. Now, you can already see with this information how easy it is to drink 1200 calories. really easy. If you like mixed drinks I would suggest bloody mary. The calories actually have some nutrition to them and it can actually fill you up making you want to drink less. I am a beer drinker so I switched to Miller 64. This at least enables you to get more beer for your buck as far as calories go and will get you good and buzzed. There are times where I will go out and not drink and I will have seltzer with a splash of cranberry juice. This way at least looks like you are drinking and mixing the seltzer lowers the amount of sugar you would take in from a full glass of juice.... Hope this helps
  • I agree with you Meg7399! Way to state it how it is! I too like to go out occasionally and have a drink, I just have to watch out and make sure I'm not drinking a ton of calories! This blog post was actually really helpful, I didn't know all these nifty little tid bits about drinker "lighter" and still being able to have a few drinks without he guilt. Awesomeness! :)
  • CharityGC
    CharityGC Posts: 499 Member
    I didn't see where the OP said she couldn't have fun without alcohol. Some people don't want to give up bread or chocolate so they figure out ways to work it into their lifestyle. The OP doesn't want to give up alcohol so she's asking for suggestions to do the same. There's no need to tell her she should change her lifestyle to suit anyone besides herself. And I'm loving the flavor packet ideas! Definitely going to be throwing some in my purse for our next date night.
  • Ivey05131980
    Ivey05131980 Posts: 1,118 Member
    Dumb question, maybe...are there any more cals in flavored vodka than plain?
  • castlerobber
    castlerobber Posts: 528 Member
    I have seen a few threads about how to avoid alcohol when you're out, but my problem is I actually ENJOY alcohol. It's a part of my future career,

    Genuinely curious here, not saying you should or shouldn't drink. What career are you going into, that drinking alcohol is a part of it?
  • cococa
    cococa Posts: 122 Member
    It really all depends on how often you're going out. One gin and tonic (this is also my fav and I use diet tonic when I can too) shouldn't throw you off for the week, but if you're having 1-2 every night or most nights that could definitely change things.

    Good food and good wine are a part of the culture around here, and going to the bar around the corner was common after class when I was in grad school. I found myself having 1-2 drinks almost every night with dinner even when it was just me and my boyfriend at home.

    I'm not saying that there is a problem with enjoying a drink at home, but I decided that for me it was too much. The calories were a big part of it, but also I started reading more research on health impacts. It is recommended that women have no more than 1 drink per day (http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochurewomen/women.htm#drinking). In addition, I read up more on the research linking alcohol consumption to increased risk of breast cancer (http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20111101b). The increased risk for moderate drinking (3-6 a week) is small and more research is definitely needed, but it was enough for me to think twice about how much I consumed over the course of a week.

    Anyway, I found some good (lower calorie) substitutes for when I'm home. I found that I really liked the bite of the wine and just having something different to go with dinner. The substitutes I found give me both a bite and something new or different to drink after a long day of work. My favorite so far is cucumber flavored dry soda. I still have a drink when I'm out with friends or on date night with my boyfriend, but now I know that I'm not overdoing it for the week when I do (even if they don't have diet tonic).

    I get we're all different and what works for me may not work for you. Just thought I'd share what helped me :). Good luck!
  • BigDog
    BigDog Posts: 272 Member
    I am craft beer and whiskey. I hate the macro beers (Bud, Coors, Miller, etc...) for many different reasons, but that's another topic.

    So my problem is that there's no such thing as under 100 calories for my beers. Even a Sam Adams Light is 10 calories an ounce and as most Craft breweries serve beer in pint (16 oz) glasses or more that's 160 calories for a "LIGHT" beer. (that taste good) ;-)

    I have found a few practices that help me...
    1. Save up calories for the brews you know you will have
    2. Only have the number your calories will allow
    3. Order a pint of water with every pint of beer and only order another beer when both the pint of beer and the pint of water are empty.
    4. Keep track of every drink. (I use Untappd and MFP)
    5. Work off calories before going or after the next day to make up. (the next day to make up is for when you fail at step 2 above)
    6. (This is the hardest one for me...) Do Not eat after a night of drinking. You will end up eating far more than you want to, or at least I always do. (Late night drive through... I hate you!!)

    One last thing for any fellow Craft Brew drinkers out there. There is not way to nail down the calories in those things unless you know the beginning gravity and ending gravity and a rather large math equation, but I have found the info here: http://www.simplybeer.com/how-many-calories-are-in-my-beer/ is a great tool for guestimating... I have this on my phone and usually use the middle of the calorie range and it seems to work fine for me.

    CHEERS!!
  • I love Captain Morgan and Diet Coke. Over the years I have dropped the Coke to Diet Coke and I'll have that. or I'll have vodka and Diet Sprite (if i can make it myself - most bars don't have that), or Plum Vodka with Sprite or Club Soda. (This one has more calories so it's used sparingly!)

    I also like vodka with water and then adding Crystal Light. Best way to go for vodka (in my opinion) and you can customize it to taste however you want!

    My advice? Stay away from all of the foo-foo drinks (margs, pina coladas, etc.) and stick to light beer or hard liquor with minimal mixers. When I'm out at a bar, I do like to drink. It's no fun being the only sober person there. Just keep it in moderation!
  • Stormchasegrl
    Stormchasegrl Posts: 61 Member
    I am craft beer and whiskey. I hate the macro beers (Bud, Coors, Miller, etc...) for many different reasons, but that's another topic.

    So my problem is that there's no such thing as under 100 calories for my beers. Even a Sam Adams Light is 10 calories an ounce and as most Craft breweries serve beer in pint (16 oz) glasses or more that's 160 calories for a "LIGHT" beer. (that taste good) ;-)

    I have found a few practices that help me...
    1. Save up calories for the brews you know you will have
    2. Only have the number your calories will allow
    3. Order a pint of water with every pint of beer and only order another beer when both the pint of beer and the pint of water are empty.
    4. Keep track of every drink. (I use Untappd and MFP)
    5. Work off calories before going or after the next day to make up. (the next day to make up is for when you fail at step 2 above)
    6. (This is the hardest one for me...) Do Not eat after a night of drinking. You will end up eating far more than you want to, or at least I always do. (Late night drive through... I hate you!!)

    One last thing for any fellow Craft Brew drinkers out there. There is not way to nail down the calories in those things unless you know the beginning gravity and ending gravity and a rather large math equation, but I have found the info here: http://www.simplybeer.com/how-many-calories-are-in-my-beer/ is a great tool for guestimating... I have this on my phone and usually use the middle of the calorie range and it seems to work fine for me.

    CHEERS!!

    Thank you!! I feel like I'm the only one! No one gets it!
  • BigDog
    BigDog Posts: 272 Member
    @stormchasergrl... I hear ya. With the amount of people on MFP you would think there would be more of us, but there isn't even a group for people who enjoy alcoholic libations let alone one for Craft and Home brew fans. On these forums it seems like Alcohol is the devil or something. Maybe one of these days when I'm bored enough I will start a group.

    Good luck in your weight loss and Cheers!!
  • Stormchasegrl
    Stormchasegrl Posts: 61 Member
    @BigDog - Seriously! I get so tired of being made to feel like I'm a terrible person or I have a problem b/c I actually *enjoy* alcohol. It's like the conversation always has to start with a lecture from *everyone* on whatever research led them to believe a certain number is good or bad, and anything away from that is evil! I'm currently getting set to start a home batch of reisling. I haven't delved into beer yet, but I have a kit. Ultimately, having to choose between a Chimay and a Miller 64 is gut wrenching! I will be the first one to sign up if you ever make that group! Good luck and cheers to you as well!!
  • BigDog
    BigDog Posts: 272 Member
    Ok Stormchasergrl... I got bored enough and started a Group. It's called "Craft Beer and Home Brewing" Here it is: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/11960-craft-beer-and-home-brewing

    Invite anyone you think might like to join in there.
  • patentguru
    patentguru Posts: 312 Member
    My questions is why can't you go out and enjoy yourself without alcohol? Maybe that's your problem!

    That's a tough one, since everyone of my friends drink. It is easier to drink than get new friends.
  • SteveJWatson
    SteveJWatson Posts: 1,225 Member
    I try not to drink alcohol but when I do I always go for citrus vodka, ice, water and a slice of lemon, amazing and low cal too. Or a light beer but its rare to find light beer in bars in the UK :mad:

    Thats because "light" beer is the urine of satan and we have more pride as a nation than to drink that stuff.

    If you are gonna have a pint, have it, for christs sake, you only live once. Just remember not to have 6 pints and a kebab every friday - or if you do, make sure you get into a fight so you can log the calories.
  • Skrib69
    Skrib69 Posts: 687 Member
    I drink what I want and keep a tally to bring my average down over the next 24/48 hours. To my mind, a little of what you like is not a problem, a lot of what you like probably is.....
  • Skrib69
    Skrib69 Posts: 687 Member
    At last!!!! Someone who talks sense!! And a great link too - thanks!!
  • Kalah7Renae12Vera
    Kalah7Renae12Vera Posts: 265 Member
    Most bars carry the SkinnyGirl Cosmo mixes, its not a whole lot of alcohol & sugar etc. but it looks cute to sip on and you still get a few tingles
  • freckledrats
    freckledrats Posts: 251 Member
    I'm a rum & diet girl. It's only 60 cals per 1 oz of rum, so if you plan right, you can take down a few of 'em :)
  • jennyrebekka
    jennyrebekka Posts: 626 Member
    Diet Dr Pepper + E&J VSOP for me please!
  • Italiano7
    Italiano7 Posts: 382 Member
    I enjoy whipped vodka with root beer (not thehealthiest but its tasty:tongue: )
  • iAMsmiling
    iAMsmiling Posts: 2,394 Member
    Very old single barrel scotch, neat.

    You'll impress the heck out of knowledgeable dudes and I guarantee you won't drink it fast.
    http://whiskey-reviews.com/2012/11/the-balvenie-single-barrel-15-year-old-scotch-review/
  • Confuzzled4ever
    Confuzzled4ever Posts: 2,860 Member
    How to drink alochol:

    open bottle
    pour into glass
    add mixer
    stir or shake as needed
    garnish if desired

    or
    open bottle
    chug
  • justal313
    justal313 Posts: 1,375 Member
    @BigDog - Seriously! I get so tired of being made to feel like I'm a terrible person or I have a problem b/c I actually *enjoy* alcohol. It's like the conversation always has to start with a lecture from *everyone* on whatever research led them to believe a certain number is good or bad, and anything away from that is evil! I'm currently getting set to start a home batch of reisling. I haven't delved into beer yet, but I have a kit. Ultimately, having to choose between a Chimay and a Miller 64 is gut wrenching! I will be the first one to sign up if you ever make that group! Good luck and cheers to you as well!!

    Hear hear. I started brewing beer to keep me from breaking into my mead too soon. I haven't dusted off my carboys in a while but that's not because I don't want to drink, it's because my brewing time now gets spent on my 17 month old daughter.
  • thrld
    thrld Posts: 610 Member
  • butterfli7o
    butterfli7o Posts: 1,319 Member
    Gin & Fresca (0 cal citrus soda)

    Cherry Coke Zero & Sailor Jerry Rum
  • bttrcp80
    bttrcp80 Posts: 5 Member
    Sorry, I was trying to quote this post:

    "My questions is why can't you go out and enjoy yourself without alcohol? Maybe that's your problem!"




    Rude! She never said that she was incapable of having a good time without alcohol.
  • Danni1585
    Danni1585 Posts: 250 Member
    If you want some alcohol I suggest just count the cals. White drinks are better for cals, ie vodka or gin. Try it with diet soda or tonic (skinny vodka) in the uk. If you have wine try white, perhaps with a soda. I also love Becks Blue, it's alcohol free, I swear I can't tell and only 98 cals. I drink, I enjoy it, I don't overdue it, and I count the cals. I am losing weight fine. Don't let others judge you, everyone needs to have a little of what they like. I don't eat sweet things so this is my counted treat. Good luck
  • sallyaj
    sallyaj Posts: 207 Member
    I actually love ordering a hard liquor (vodka, gin, tequilla) with club soda and then I pull out my secret stash; I keep a few individual packets of Crystal Light or Bob's drink mix powder in my purse and mix one in with my order.

    I usually keep a variety on hand; lemondade, margarita mix, mango margarita mix, mojito, pomegranite, etc.

    Great advice. I'll have to try the Crystal Light.

    I agree. I'm drinking no alcohol right now while I'm trying to lose weight. My next drink will be a glass of red wine. Definitely missing it. For now I have a diet tonic with lime.