Demon drink - what do you do about alcohol?

:happy: Hi all, I'm new to this site and love it. My question is - if you like to drink alcohol like me, do you try and cut down to keep your calorie count lower, or do you do loads of exercise to make up for the calories, or do you just cut it out altogether as you're trying to lose weight and get fitter?

What's the best approach to alcohol and can it work? Thanks for any advice you can give.
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Replies

  • laura4smith
    laura4smith Posts: 24 Member
    I cut out 'demon drinks' until I am fit. But, that is just me.
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    I drink less often than I used to.
  • paulywoo
    paulywoo Posts: 169 Member
    I've given it up and don't miss it any more as I feel so much healthier :-)
  • Ashley_Panda
    Ashley_Panda Posts: 1,404 Member
    I open mouth and consume demons.
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    I drink some wine... 1-2 glasses a few nights a week. But I burn a lot of calories running. When I'm gearing up for a race I cut it out entirely (usually) for the week or so leading up as it messes with my hydration levels and such.

    I've not had a problem losing but then I eat 2100 calories/day to lose, so 150-300 coming from wine doesn't have me sacrificing much nutrition.
  • cinsuccess
    cinsuccess Posts: 333 Member
    I cut back. It's not just about calories but also macros. When I do drink, I try to choose better options and don't have more than 2 unless it's a super special occasion.
  • nikinyx6
    nikinyx6 Posts: 772 Member
    I limit myself to straight spirits, not too high calorie
  • ashlinmarie
    ashlinmarie Posts: 1,263 Member
    I rarely go out anymore, but if my friends invite me I will because I will be moving out of the country soon. However, rather than having 5 or 6 vodka cranberry juices, I have no more than 2 or 3. And I either work out earlier in the day if I know I'm going out and if I don't know, then I work out extra the next day. I try to stay away from alcohol though because my family has a strong addictive history to drugs and alcohol, plus I hate how I feel like crap the next day. I'd much rather run :D
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    I drink a glass of wine or a beer almost every single day. And on the weekends...well...I have more. I just make sure I've got the calories for it! Hasn't hindered my weight loss or health in the least. Everything in moderation...some people like a bit of ice cream, some people like a slice of pizza, I like a good glass of wine or nice frosty beer.
  • BiggyFuzz
    BiggyFuzz Posts: 511 Member
    I stopped drinking

    I don't have the taste for it anymore and find it very unhealthy
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    I count the calories for wine.
    If I drink spirits I mix with club soda
    I make sure I don't eat crap while drinking. :smile:
  • p0kers0ph
    p0kers0ph Posts: 250 Member
    I've cut back dramatically in the last 4 weeks.
    It was having a really bad effect on my relationship aswell as my diet.
    I think everything is fine in moderation
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    I pour it into my mouth usually.

    I cut down to 1 beer a day (usually) and work out to make the calories back. I've consumed 504 unique beers since I started my diet and have lost 67lbs.
  • rockersbaby1
    rockersbaby1 Posts: 15 Member
    I found an awesome recipe for skinny margaritas! :)
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    I drink some wine... 1-2 glasses a few nights a week. But I burn a lot of calories running. When I'm gearing up for a race I cut it out entirely (usually) for the week or so leading up as it messes with my hydration levels and such.

    I've not had a problem losing but then I eat 2100 calories/day to lose, so 150-300 coming from wine doesn't have me sacrificing much nutrition.

    Ditto on the pre-race thing. I tend not to drink at all for a few days leading up to a race, up to a week for longer ones, just from a hydration stand point. Otherwise I don't deprive myself.
  • McBully4
    McBully4 Posts: 1,270 Member
    :happy: do you do loads of exercise to make up for the calories

    Do this, once you figure out how much work it is to work off one drink you really won't feel like having a second.
  • Karen5732
    Karen5732 Posts: 64 Member
    Drink it.. but include in daily allowance !!
  • I've cut down to drinking only at weekends and make sure I burn off the calories first. Good luck.
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    I stopped drinking

    I don't have the taste for it anymore and find it very unhealthy

    It's only unhealthy in excess, just like anything.
  • whiteheaddg
    whiteheaddg Posts: 325 Member
    One glass of red wine on most nights. I budget for it in the calorie tracker.
  • I just count the calories, like I count from everything else I consume. My husband and I are home brewers because we like home brewed beer. One a day is 140 calories, about the same as a soda, but it contains much better nutrition. Just don't over do it :-)
  • MrDude_1
    MrDude_1 Posts: 2,510 Member
    :happy: Hi all, I'm new to this site and love it. My question is - if you like to drink alcohol like me, do you try and cut down to keep your calorie count lower, or do you do loads of exercise to make up for the calories, or do you just cut it out altogether as you're trying to lose weight and get fitter?

    What's the best approach to alcohol and can it work? Thanks for any advice you can give.

    on the days im planning on going out drinking, I do tend to eat less.. then I get the double wammy of more calories free for alcohol, and I get drunk on less drinks because im drinking on an empty stomach.

    that said, you cant do that often, or multiple days in a row or anything... if you socially drink everynight, you're going to have to eat your full amount of regular food, and just exercise a crapload more to "afford" the alcohol calorie wise.... but if its an occasional thing, no harm in reducing food as long as you can take it mentally...
  • FeatherBoBeather
    FeatherBoBeather Posts: 255 Member
    Depends on how you define 'drinking'... sometimes I'll have a glass of wine with dinner, but be sure to count for it / eat healthy meals all day... or if I'm partying then I exercise a ton in the morning. That way if I down a good 800 calories between drinks and food (not gonna lie, usually it's pizza) I'm all good. Either way, it gets counted and I enjoy life. :P
  • wgn4166
    wgn4166 Posts: 771 Member
    Very seldom i go out with friends and drink. I do not count those calories. If I am at home and have a few drinks, I make sure I have enough calories to do so, I love vodka!
  • ggcat
    ggcat Posts: 313 Member
    I limit myself to straight spirits, not too high calorie


    Same here (I prefer vodka)...
  • I dont eat much during the day, then drink double vodka and diet cokes all evening xD 1) They taste lovely 2) Because you've not eaten very much, it takes far less to get tipsy.

    win-win!
  • I've cut way down, and gave up mixed drinks. I've learned to appreciate brandys, Irish whiskeys and scotches straight, neat, or on the rocks. When I drink beer I go for Guinness, evidently a "healthier" beer... not vouching for the science, but hey, its on the internet so its got to be true, right?

    http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/03/17/guinness-a-dieters-beer-choice/
  • linzee2207
    linzee2207 Posts: 28 Member
    Recent college grad here, obviously I drink lol. The trick is to keep your drinks 0 cal except for the alcohol, which is typically 80-100 cals a shot, And dont go overboard! Don't make a daily occurrence, and keep it to a minimum on the weekend. my low cal drink of choice is vodka+soda water (not tonic water!) with a splash of lime juice. Skinny girl also makes good low cal mixed drinks. Stay away from beer, white wine, and sugary drinks like margaritas.
  • Kenzietea2
    Kenzietea2 Posts: 1,132 Member
    I drink in moderation. Certainly not every day. I never get drunk. I opt for low calorie drinks or a glass of wine.
  • deepfuture
    deepfuture Posts: 35 Member
    Exercise to balance the calories ;-)