Advice for a student saught...

mcampbell795
mcampbell795 Posts: 20 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey, So I'v been using MFP for over a year now and with it have lost over 30lb (so proud :D). However I have recently moved away from home to start my University career in Nursing. I care alot about my health and my fitness and right away joined a gym lol. I'v learnt to aviod the fatty greasy student foods (way cheaper than fresh produce) and have focused my attention on my fitness. Although my major pitfall is alcohol and nights out. As a student going out and getting wasted seems to be a major part of student life (in first year anyway). I was wondering if anyone had any similar experience with this and if so how did they balance it out. I know one drink wont undo all my hard work but I also know that with alcohol I start to lose my head and this leads to a binge (sometimes lasting days) Is it possible to go out to nightclubs etc, and just have fun, whilst not getting wasted lol. I hope I don't sound like a sadcase posting this, its just I'v worked so hard and don't want my work to go down the pan but I also don't wanna be a loner ;)

Replies

  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,428 MFP Moderator
    It's all about calories, but more importantly, read the below. Study it and learn it. Alcohol is ok, but limit carbs and calories as well.

    http://www.leangains.com/2010/07/truth-about-alcohol-fat-loss-and-muscle.html
  • ashleeliza
    ashleeliza Posts: 93
    When beginning my diet, I really cut out nights out for a couple of months.
    It helps I have a lot of essays due in! Now for pre drinks I'll look at what the lowest calorie drinks are and get something for about 300.
    I know it's bad for you as well but I'll eat less in the day so it has more effect on me, I know what people will say but my friends all do it too, it's not just me.
    I also don't take my bank card out, I used to get drunk and not care how much I spent, I take out just enough for a couple of drinks out and have vodka and lime, that way I also don't have enough to buy the dreaded greasy foods after a night out as I just have enough for a taxi.

    I am starting to have a much better time like this, I don't get into an unattractive mess but still get drunk enough to be on the same level as my friends and I also wake up with hardly a hangover!
  • RobynLB
    RobynLB Posts: 617 Member
    When you go out, just limit your drinks, and make them low cal drinks. This has the added benefit of reducing your chance of a DUI or other mishap... Do this by drinking glasses of water between drinks... or even ordering a diet coke (to look like a rum and coke) if you're self conscious about explaining to people why you don't want to binge drink four nights a week.
  • towardthesunshine
    towardthesunshine Posts: 56
    I agree that, generally, having your fair share of alcohol is a part of the college life -- although not for everyone! It is/has been for me too, and I don't go out that often (you'll find that as you continue in Nursing school... your social life goes down the drain haha) so PLEASE enjoy the time you have right now!

    It can def take a toll on your caloric intake, so my advice would be to stay away from calorie heavy beers and mixed drinks. My personal favorites are Diet Coke with rum or Jack, and it's pretty low in calories for the whole drink... and gives you the effect you're looking for :p And although it sounds really unclassy, shots.... well they get to the point.

    After a night out, shower, drink a TON of water, and go out for a walk at the very least. Fill yourself up with fresh foods, and your body WILL thank you!!

    Have fun! x

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