Silly Question -- Weight Loss & Alcohol

USMCsilver
USMCsilver Posts: 3 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Every once in a while, I enjoy a drink or three.

I've just started a 1,500 cal. intake and I've cut out all alcohol during the week. If I wanna "cheat", is it bad to intake ~600 of my alloted calories via mixed drinks/beer?

I mean -- how much worse is 600 calories of a"alcohol" than, say, 600 calories of Doritos?

Seriousl question, as this is the 1st time in my life I've ever "counted calories".

Thanks in advance.

Replies

  • acep07
    acep07 Posts: 24
    I would just exercise to make a deficit of 600 cal in order to drink, I don't think it would be healthy to cut out food in order to leave you extra cals to drink. If your options are doritos or alcohol, definetely go for the alcohol
  • zoukeira
    zoukeira Posts: 313 Member
    I like the idea of exercising to drink too - but wanted to warn you (from experience haha!) that after a few drinks, especially on an empty tummy, your counting goes out the window and you are far more inclined to overeat :-)
  • MariaMariaM
    MariaMariaM Posts: 1,322 Member
    First, I think 1500 is low for you. I eat 1500 + exercise for a total of around 1800- 2100.
    I really hope you are eating more nutritional food than doritos. If that is the case, then the difference might be hunger. I don't think beer is filling (well I don't know since I don't drink beer. I only drink rum or vodka).
  • shgreenw
    shgreenw Posts: 194 Member
    My husband will tell you himself that he runs to "earn" himself a couple of beers at night. ;)
  • laurwillbelovely
    laurwillbelovely Posts: 44
    I did it the other day, I even planned the day ahead knowing there were going to be a few celebratory vodkas, so cut down on lunch...
    But like a few people have mentioned, when you have a few drinks it's hard to say no to the bar snacks and even though I managed, the next day I was dehydrated and ravenous and spent all day battling the cravings for greasy food!

    I think having a bit of food instead and exercising off the alcohol would be better as I'm still craving a cheese and tomato toastie and gatorades two days later!
  • Its_Nat
    Its_Nat Posts: 184 Member
    I usually leave the wine for the weekend, and yeah, like others have said, I try to have done exercise to create more calories. Doesn't always work, but I'll always attempt to not go over my calorie limit. What's life without the advantage of alcohol if you feel like it? Just don't overdo it.
  • USMCsilver
    USMCsilver Posts: 3 Member
    First, I think 1500 is low for you. I eat 1500 + exercise for a total of around 1800- 2100.
    I really hope you are eating more nutritional food than doritos. If that is the case, then the difference might be hunger. I don't think beer is filling (well I don't know since I don't drink beer. I only drink rum or vodka).

    I've been doing well with it. I've been quite well, and have not had a Dorito in about 40 days.

    I'm basically doing no bread, flour, grain, bread, nooodle, potato, refined sugar, or dairy.

    It boils down to lean meats (chicken, fish, venison, & lean beef), veggies, and a little fruit.

    I was 217 at the beginning of summer. I got MFP about 40 days ago, and I'm 193 now. I actually started to make an honest effort when I was 213. So -- about 20 days into this "change of eating mentality", I've lost 20 pounds. It isn't that hard with the right mindset. Cut out the crap, limit calorie consumption, and the pounds will take care of themselves.

    As far as drinking goes, I had some beers last Wednesday. I'm beginning to think I don't need 'em. :)
  • Greenrun99
    Greenrun99 Posts: 2,065 Member
    Just remember that if your cutting out bread and flour and grain etc.. alot of the ingredients to make those items are also in beer.. so..
    But I would log those beers, depending on the kind it could be a 250 calorie beer (12 oz), so you have a few of those and you could be close to 1000 calories pretty quick.. so just be mindful of that and track it.
  • balbannock
    balbannock Posts: 5
    How long do you want to live? (LOL) The nutrition in both cases is poor, but alcohol can wreck your organs. It depends how often you substitute the alcohol for good choices. I work as a Respiratory Therapist, and a significant number of the younger people I see, especially in ICU, are there from alcohol-related disease (not accidents). It takes less than you might think. If this is just a once in a while thing, I'm not going to rain on your parade. :smile:
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    If it was me (and sometimes it is) I would either exercise more that day, to create a bigger deficit for the alcohol, or I would reduce my deficit for the day, to accommodate the alcohol. (Maybe even eat at maintenance that day if it's a one off type thing). Basically, I wouldn't want to be left with just 900 calories that day for actual nutrients that my body needs. Having said that, I have a slightly different overall approach to this than it looks like you do. I'm a bit more about moderation and portion control than cutting out specific foods or food groups. If you feel that you aren't really that bothered about drinking any more, then I guess you might as well just stop. Saves you having to worry about the calories anyway!
  • RunningMatt77
    RunningMatt77 Posts: 162 Member
    You can drink if you like, but make up the calories in exercise. But it is better to abstain from booze
  • Healthydiner65
    Healthydiner65 Posts: 1,479 Member
    How long do you want to live? (LOL) The nutrition in both cases is poor, but alcohol can wreck your organs. It depends how often you substitute the alcohol for good choices. I work as a Respiratory Therapist, and a significant number of the younger people I see, especially in ICU, are there from alcohol-related disease (not accidents). It takes less than you might think. If this is just a once in a while thing, I'm not going to rain on your parade. :smile:

    I agree! I am a nurse and have seen a lot of people who lose all judgement with just one drink.You can't go to jail with a DUI if you just don't drink!
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    I eat 1500 and I'm a 54 year old woman. You've set your calorie goal too low!! Which makes is unsustainable....especially if you're trying to fit a few cocktails in. Re-calculate!
  • lncgurley
    lncgurley Posts: 37 Member
    I'm happy to share my personal experience. I lost for a while, then had to stop to keep losing, also, I was miserable b/c I couldn't stand the low cal foods I had to eat in order to make room for alcohol on a regular basis, and am happier now eating more healthy, "normal" fat foods and indulging maybe once a month or so (date nights with hubby) using ecercise cals and eating salads that day, than trying to accomodate on a regular basis. I also think I needed to go through that journey to realize why I made the decision, and to make a permanent lifestyle change. So good luck to you! Oops, wanted to add, I'm at 1200 cals, and I eat my excercise cals..maybe at a higher cal range drinking excercise cals may work. Experiment, Allow for slow change, so you can find what works for you
  • jmjm55077
    jmjm55077 Posts: 41 Member
    I think you probably know the answer to this but there probably isn't much difference between chips and beer...go for the healthy alternative of veggies or fruit but don't beat yourself up if occassionally you indulge...It's about having a balanced and healthy diet ...a beer now and then won't send you spinning out of control especially if you work it off with exercise.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Calories are calories. Drink what you want as long as it fits in your calorie limit. Just don't drink only beer, since that can't be good for you.
  • SunnyLuc87
    SunnyLuc87 Posts: 60
    Of course alcohol can cause problems, but in moderation it's not the devil. If you want to have a few drinks, have a few drinks... but don't eat so little that day to give yourself extra calories for drinks. I actually did that Friday night and it was such a huge mistake. I got very sick that night, not because I drank a lot, but because I ate so little and then had drinks on top of that. Personally, my plan is that if I plan to have drinks again I will drink only rum & diet coke (or something equally low-cal) and just deal with being over on calories for that day.
  • Nina2503
    Nina2503 Posts: 172 Member
    I try and do a bit of exercise to earn extra calories, then use the extra for a drink once in a while.

    Everything in moderation
  • dawn2313
    dawn2313 Posts: 125 Member
    I wouldn't suggest using 600 of the 1500 on alcohol. You need meals. You need carbs, protein, etc. You're not gonna get much (if any) of that in alcohol! Just because you reach your calorie goal doesn't mean it's healthy, you should definitely make sure it's distributed evenly within all of the groups.

    I know everybody is already telling you to eat more, so I won't haha.

    But are you exercising? And if so, do you still only eat 1500? I didn't quit having drinks, hehe, but I am more cautious as to what I'm drinking, and how much. That being said, the day I decide to have a cheat day and drink is probably the day I'll go over a few calories and then work my *kitten* off the next morning burning it off! :)
  • USMCsilver
    USMCsilver Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks everyone for chiming in.

    I looked back @ the initial post, and it looks like some of y'all are taking it the wrong way.

    I was simply asking the question "are calories all related". I've dug a bit more into it since posting, and learned more about the glycemic index and how the body breaks down stuff differently, and all that jazz...

    I used to drink 1-2 beers a day, or a few mixed drinks a week. I drank "often" but didn't consume a whole lot. I never even considered the calories...

    For those who say I'm taking in too few calories, I'll state this: I feel great and I "used" to have diagnosed GERD; I have not taken my medicine in 1.5 months. My energy levels are fine and I have no complaints. Pounds are dropping. Mass is decreasing. What's not to be onboard with?

    I eat pretty much nothing but protein, veggies, and a few fruits. I might have 3-4 Cliff or Marathon bars during the week if I feel like I need a "boost". These are alloted for, and I'm still within my limits.

    Hey -- I ain't much to look at, but I'm gettin' better! Last Tuesday:

    2012-09-28_11-36-41_471.jpg


    EDIT -- MY LAST POST (BEFORE THIS) SHOULD READ THAT ABOUT 40 DAYS IN I'VE LOST 20 LBS. NOT 20 DAYS IN. IT'S ACTUALLY BEEN 44 DAYS, TO BE EXACT.
  • Katt1320
    Katt1320 Posts: 94 Member
    I really wish I could just get hammered once a week and still lose weight. Maybe it's time to be a grown up after all and limit it to once in a while. Booooo!

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