New to MFP and a drinker
Replies
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Easy answer- quit drinking and remove your extra calories.
I choose to drink too, and know a lot of people who do as well. It won't kill your progress, it just takes a little more work and some better planning
*edit* I am by no way promoting the abstinance of alcohol
let's just be clear here. 0 -
You should never mix food with alcohol - it just makes you sick!
Stick to alcohol.......LOL
Some posts just need a "like!" button!0 -
^This..... I am a drinker... I must say that I have stopped drinking during the week. But on weekends, if I know I will be having a few, I usually make better food choices in the day, and extra workouts to accomodate... I drink Vodka, with low cal cranberry-pomegranate, diet gingerale, and zero calorie Red Bull.... a regular drink is less than 100 cals... I stay away from pre-mixed drinks...
Edit... I do have the occasional glass of red wine during the week... :drinker:
Ditto, except for the mixers. You'll find that, if you are serious about staying within your targets, over time you'll get a different attitude to a lot of things - from what foods you frequently eat, and eventually crave, to your attitiude to booze and indeed all drinks. For me now a drink of Tropicana would be a real treat because of how many calories vs a fresh whole orange. Now I might have a small glass of wine once during the working week and then more at weekends, but when I started I was trying to squeeze a bottle in every night.
These changes won't happen overnight, but if you stick with it in about 6-12 months time I guarantee you will post that you've been abducted by aliens and replaced by a moderate drinker who craves vegetables after they've done their workout :noway:0 -
You can certainly drink in moderation and still lose weight. As everyone around here says, it's about the calorie deficit.
But...pouring empty calories down your throat sure as heck starts you out at a disadvantage. Also, and I haven't seen this discussed here, anyone else ever eat way more than intended after they've had a drink or three?
Drinking lessens inhibitions. Not exactly a diet aid, even with the alcohol calories removed from the picture.
Decide on your priorities. The more serious you are about your health and weight loss, the less you'll drink.0 -
yes, same boat, i don't drink often, but when i do, it'll be like 5 drinks. so it ALWAYS blows my day, especially since once you have some drinks, you say "ah **** it, those chips just look too damn good". please add me as a friend so we can do this together.0
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Judge NOT people! That fact that you are here means that you are taking steps toward a healthier you. Bad habits come in all shapes and sizes: food, alcohol, drugs, excessive exercising!! You have the ability within yourself to find a healthy balance of all things you enjoy. If you enjoy drinking, there is no reason that you have to cut it out of your life completely as this could ultimately lead to your failure. There are ways to modify and several pals on here have given great ways on how to do that. I wish you the best of luck in finding the "Healthiest Life You Can Enjoy!"0
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Judge NOT people! That fact that you are here means that you are taking steps toward a healthier you. Bad habits come in all shapes and sizes: food, alcohol, drugs, excessive exercising!! You have the ability within yourself to find a healthy balance of all things you enjoy. If you enjoy drinking, there is no reason that you have to cut it out of your life completely as this could ultimately lead to your failure. There are ways to modify and several pals on here have given great ways on how to do that. I wish you the best of luck in finding the "Healthiest Life You Can Enjoy!"
Amen Sista!!! :drinker: :flowerforyou:0 -
When my kids were little i never had alcohol in the house at all. I didn't want them to think you had to have it to have a good time. I got divorced and where else do you meet people to socialize with limited planning? Your local bar. I will admit I started out with low things like Zima. I had to "graduate" as it were to stronger drinks. I will admit at first it was almost an every day thing to meet people and just not be alone at home.
Now, its a once a week thing and I still don't have it in the house. Drinking is some peoples' way of hospitality like some do by offering food as a gesture of good will. They know it relaxes you and eases tensions and for a shy person, brings out the more talkative side. Certain drinks can bring out different reactions though. Some can get mean with it,others, just get happy.
If a person says "I don't drink" They haven't experienced the other side of things or maybe they have with a bad situation at home with an alcoholic parent or something of the like, or don't like the taste.
Like I said, I had to graduate to find the drink that works for me. I found out that drinking releases tension allowing me to talk more freely and forget my cares for the moment. I can drink a few and walk away, some can't and that's when the problem starts.
Everything in moderation as the bible says. Even Jesus turned the water into wine. Working the way I do, this is my only way to go relax after a long week and enjoy every minute of it. I drink Sambuca and water on the side or an occasional light beer with it. I really don't care for the taste of beer, but light is tolerable cause I like the carbonization to clear my mouth as it is a thick Italian liquor.
Those days, I DO factor it in with my calories and enjoy it. We all go over in cals sometimes and aren't always good..its part of life .This to me, is a life time journey, having failed "diets" in the past, this is a refreshing way to learn control over food AND drink and still enjoy them.0 -
Judge NOT people! That fact that you are here means that you are taking steps toward a healthier you. Bad habits come in all shapes and sizes: food, alcohol, drugs, excessive exercising!! You have the ability within yourself to find a healthy balance of all things you enjoy. If you enjoy drinking, there is no reason that you have to cut it out of your life completely as this could ultimately lead to your failure. There are ways to modify and several pals on here have given great ways on how to do that. I wish you the best of luck in finding the "Healthiest Life You Can Enjoy!"
Actually, I'd say Judge Everyone people.
Judging the actions of others, for good or bad, is how we define ourselves. I want to be like that one, and don't want to be like that other one. We all do it constantly. We can't help it.
In fact, you just judged me for this statement...didn't you.
Either,
"Yep, he's right on."
or,
"What an idiot."
I do hereby "Judge" that drinking alcohol is an impediment to weight loss. Drinking alcohol to excess is an impediment to your health in a more serious and broader context.0 -
Judge NOT people! That fact that you are here means that you are taking steps toward a healthier you. Bad habits come in all shapes and sizes: food, alcohol, drugs, excessive exercising!! You have the ability within yourself to find a healthy balance of all things you enjoy. If you enjoy drinking, there is no reason that you have to cut it out of your life completely as this could ultimately lead to your failure. There are ways to modify and several pals on here have given great ways on how to do that. I wish you the best of luck in finding the "Healthiest Life You Can Enjoy!"
****!! - I have all those habits, I eat, drink, smoke and watch telly......
Got my work cut out I guess.0 -
I drink just about every weekend with no shame.0
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You can drink and lose weight ~ you just need to be accountable. If I have calories left over at the end of the day, Im going to have a beer (or however many I can fit into whatever I haven't eaten yet ~ LOL)! And on my Wednesday cheat days, Im going to drink whatever I want however much I want. Has it slowed my progress down? NO. But, I am being accountable and sticking to what works for me. Find what works for you. 0
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I've had this conversation with several people. We are all very well aware that weigh loss could be much much easier if we gave up drinking, but at the same time, I spend a lot of my weekends around a fire, at a barn dance, etc. drinking (mostly beer) with a group of great friends for hours on end, and I have to say i love it, every minute of it. I do usually try to go for a longer run on those days and sometimes the morning after as well (sweat it out the next day!). But overall, I love hanging out and having a few beers even if it slows me down a little bit with my weight loss. I have cut way back on my weekday drinking so I guess I can consider weekend nights out my "cheat days"! Good luck with whichever route you choose!!0
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^^good girl! me tooI drink just about every weekend with no shame. 0 -
Maybe I'm off base here, but perhaps the 'I'm a drinker' thinking is part of what needs to change to make a healthier you. I'm all about a beverage here and there, but if you are worrying about ways to keep drinking within calorie limits by lowering calories while still getting alcohol, it may be a sign of a problem.
... It's a shame that someone with such a cool avatar is so off-base with his response.
People have been drinking alcohol longer than they've been drinking water (for obvious reasons *coughillnesscough*). However, it's a pretty integral part of culture, it HAS health benefits when used in moderation, etc. Even though there's the possibility of abuse with alcohol, there's just as much abuse possible with caffeine (also a drug) and, well, "bad" food.
Would you accuse someone of a problem if they came on and said they were trying to change their coffee, fast food, or donut habits to something a little healthier, but didn't want to get rid of it? Because I bet you someone's going to get many more withdrawal symptoms from caffeine than alcohol (unless you're an alcoholic... which is offensive to assume of someone who mentions wanting to keep alcohol in their lifestyle).
I hate the prohibitionist comments that come out whenever alcohol is involved. Many people like the taste of alcohol, not just the "feeling."
I did not accuse, I just stated a fact that it may be a problem. Also how many truly healthy person would start a conversation with 'I'm a drinker'. They may state they like to have a drink or drink wine, etc - but calling themselves a drinker?
EXACTLY. The mear fact that alcohol is so important in their life they introduce themselves on a fitness forum this way does indeed show signs of a problem.
A person that does not have a problem with alcohol does not have a problem giving it up.
And I say this from years and years of experience in being "a drinker"0 -
I like to have a drink or two in the evening - not every evening; no problem there. At first I would work it into my calorie budget, but then I realized that I need food more. Now if I want a drink, I earn it through exercise.
And I think it's reasonable to point out that somebody who introduces themselves to a fitness forum with "I'm a drinker" MIGHT have a problem. It's not isolated and judgemental. I've seen no end to discussion about carbs/no carbs, etc, and how a particular style of eating might stand in the way of reaching weight loss goals.0 -
I never really got into alcohol nor do i drink much at all but i know that the skinny girl mixes are very good. try those, for a skinny girl margarita small bottle, it's like 160 calories, not too bad for a margarita.0
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Alcohol just has so many calories. I can't even get properly drunk and stay in my goals without being hungry all day. I just don't bother. When I do drink, it's straight liquor - most bang for the caloric buck. Been doing absinthe lately.0
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Me too. I drink Bacardia and diet coke. Trying to wean off of the much needed after work cocktail.....not easy.0
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Yeah, this about sums it up for me. Drink rarely, even though I'd love to every weekend :drinker: .Alcohol just has so many calories. I can't even get properly drunk and stay in my goals without being hungry all day. I just don't bother. When I do drink, it's straight liquor - most bang for the caloric buck.
When I do drink I save calories by just going straight up then slowly drinking a water so I have something to hold and cheers with.0 -
SHOTS! Then you don't have to worry about the mixers.0
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I factor the same amount of calories into my daily limits for my wine and vodka every night and I'm quite happy with that.
I do drink a lot less now than when I first started here because I hadn't realised how many calories I was drinking but I won't stop. I enjoy it, I can account for it and it has no effect on my weight. I struggle to eat my food calories as it is so even if I didn't drink I don't think I'd manage all the calories in solid form, lol!
Work out what works for you, enjoy your food AND drink if that's what you want to do, you're answerable to yourself and no one else, especially not a load of judgemental strangers. :drinker:0 -
I feel you. Beer drinker here. I try to stick to miller 64's but sometimes its not available (ex: weddings,ect). And I agree with the shots thing. I unfortunately cannot handle shots so I have to go with beer or mixers lol. Good luck and hopefully you can find something that fits into your diet and still allows you to have fun;)0
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I am in the alcoholic beverage business so I have learned quite about how alcohol affects your metabolism and efforts to lose weight. While calories in vs. calories out is still the #1 criteria for weight loss (meaning that you need to run a deficit), alcohol calories do not metabolize the same way as whole food (healthy) calories. Your body will always metabolize alcohol calories first and food calories second, so you will not burn calories as efficiently if they are alcohol calories. Just do a search for "Jillian micahels alcohol metabolism" and you will see lots of info and videos. I now have my own "rules" for consuming alcohol. I only drink a glass of something, never two, and I now only have it when doing business and or have a special occasion with friends. I sleep better and feel better not having a glass of wine everyday and I'm losing weight faster than I did before when I had more alcohol in my "diets". Just plan what amount works for you, knowing that it will be slower and harder to drop the pounds with alcohol as part of your daily or weekly diet.
Good luck!0 -
I don't drink during the week and I am a wine lover on the weekends. I do log the calories though. I know it sets me back some.0
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This is obviously a hot topic with lots of viewpoints and advice. At the end of the day, we just have to figure out what works and doesn't; what has priority. I totally enjoy having drinks, but am trying to prioritize my success over my "enjoyment". I agree with the comments that drinking can impact healthy eating choices. WOW wouldn’t some wings go good with this beer?
I believe to each their own, and what is right for one person isn't necessarily right for another.
Good tip on alcohol's effect on metabolism. I am going to check that out.0 -
I typically drink 2-3 nights outta the week depending. I've still lost weight just fine!0
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hi i like a cocktail or 2 or 3. but i limit to the weekends. what i do & what works for me (maybe not for everyone) is a pour small 1/4 glass of wine or a short vodka tonic or i limit to one beer. sometimes on the wine i will end up pouring myself another half & it "feels" like i've drunk 2 when actually they measure up to 1 whole glass (i think 6 oz or maybe 8oz). also for me again, is i drink herbal teas (tension tamer, calming tea) to wind down at night during the week.
everything in moderation i believe. hope it helps.0 -
Maybe I'm off base here, but perhaps the 'I'm a drinker' thinking is part of what needs to change to make a healthier you. I'm all about a beverage here and there, but if you are worrying about ways to keep drinking within calorie limits by lowering calories while still getting alcohol, it may be a sign of a problem.
... It's a shame that someone with such a cool avatar is so off-base with his response.
People have been drinking alcohol longer than they've been drinking water (for obvious reasons *coughillnesscough*). However, it's a pretty integral part of culture, it HAS health benefits when used in moderation, etc. Even though there's the possibility of abuse with alcohol, there's just as much abuse possible with caffeine (also a drug) and, well, "bad" food.
Would you accuse someone of a problem if they came on and said they were trying to change their coffee, fast food, or donut habits to something a little healthier, but didn't want to get rid of it? Because I bet you someone's going to get many more withdrawal symptoms from caffeine than alcohol (unless you're an alcoholic... which is offensive to assume of someone who mentions wanting to keep alcohol in their lifestyle).
I hate the prohibitionist comments that come out whenever alcohol is involved. Many people like the taste of alcohol, not just the "feeling."
I did not accuse, I just stated a fact that it may be a problem. Also how many truly healthy person would start a conversation with 'I'm a drinker'. They may state they like to have a drink or drink wine, etc - but calling themselves a drinker?
If it's really just an issue of semantics, I can see where you're coming from now. At the same time, if--as the OP said--alcohol is generally a part of their diet and they're trying to include it in their new lifestyle... why is using the term "drinker" inappropriate? Though obviously not quite the same "poison," I've seen "I'm a chocoaholic" or a "fast food addict" in introduction posts.
I take it to mean: I'm making a lifestyle change. I'm not quite willing to give up my favorite food/drink/indulgence. I'm looking for people in the same boat--people who wish to lose weight, get healthy, but not give up alcohol/chocolate/fastfood... etc.
Would you guys thinking the OP ~could~ have a problem have thought otherwise if she had said, "New to MFP and love to drink" or "New to MFP and I enjoy drinking." Saying you're a "drinker" means you drink alcohol; saying you don't makes you a "non-drinker." It's a term and distinction that's been around for a long time (in personal ads, MySpace, dating sites, etc.). This is a similar public forum. I guess I'm just a little miffed at the severe outrage to the word "drinker."
I guess it could boil down to a "different" approach to calories. Lots of people do a IIFYM/save calories for what you like with little repercussions. Others may apparently judge people unwilling to give up things as possibly addicts. That's a slippery slope I wouldn't ski down.0 -
I am in the alcoholic beverage business so I have learned quite about how alcohol affects your metabolism and efforts to lose weight. While calories in vs. calories out is still the #1 criteria for weight loss (meaning that you need to run a deficit), alcohol calories do not metabolize the same way as whole food (healthy) calories. Your body will always metabolize alcohol calories first and food calories second, so you will not burn calories as efficiently if they are alcohol calories. Just do a search for "Jillian micahels alcohol metabolism" and you will see lots of info and videos. I now have my own "rules" for consuming alcohol. I only drink a glass of something, never two, and I now only have it when doing business and or have a special occasion with friends. I sleep better and feel better not having a glass of wine everyday and I'm losing weight faster than I did before when I had more alcohol in my "diets". Just plan what amount works for you, knowing that it will be slower and harder to drop the pounds with alcohol as part of your daily or weekly diet.
Good luck!
Meh, not to spark the "Jillian Michaels" flame, but she is, ultimately, not a doctor or nutritionist. There's been enough research on (specifically) microbrewed beer (and to an extent, wine) being almost the opposite of what you said. Yes, alcohol is metabolized differently... but the effect you're talking about is if you are getting sloshed on more alcohol than food intake. Unfiltered beer and dry red wines have tremendous positives, from the antioxidants and polyphenols helping the immune system to the full servings of fiber and B12 in beer. Some studies have shown beer to be a decent "recovery" drink after a workout. Would I necessarily advocate drinking beer or wine after a workout? No. But I do know that, compared to some actually marketed drinks for "repair," good ol' fashioned good beer and wine is going to be much better for you.
By the way--a boxed Chardonnay and a case of Bud Light are NOT the things that would give you these benefits
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