Help Craving Alcohol

Maybe instead of denying yourself all of these things, you can let yourself have them in moderation. If they fit into your goals for the day, there is no reason not to have them.

Yep.

Vodka and tonic you can make with diet tonic water (regular tonic is deceptively high in calories) for 70 cals a drink.

You know what won't make you feel better? Alcohol. You might feel like you're craving it now but that is a trick that your mind is playing on you. Always want what you can't have, right? So, stop doing that to yourself. Just skip it. Have ice water. Drink so much ice water that the thought of drinking anything else nauseates you. Because you don't need no boozes.

I would have a drink (or 2 or 3!) almost every night with my husband, relaxing and winding down the day. I stopped drinking for diet reasons and overall health reasons on August 8th (but who's counting!?) and haven't looked back. In the beginning, yes it was hard and it sucked. But now, I feel like a new person and don't miss the hangover from the sugar/alcohol, don't miss the expense at the bar, and just overall am happy that I gave it up. I don't plan on giving it up forever, but for now it's the right thing.

I still make "fancy" drinks. I use my crystal glasses and make seltzer with a splash of cran with a lime garnish, etc. It's more mental for me than needing the alcohol. That might sound silly to you but it's really helped me.

ETA: I also don't miss the taco bell, mcdonalds, chinese food, pizza, etc. binges after having a few drinks and getting the munchies. I'm not sure if it's the alcohol calories that helped me lose just over 90lbs or the junk food I used to eat with it!

Just drink at the weekends. Easier said than done I know. Treat yourself to a hot chocolate during the week, at least you will feel you are treating yourself. The drink cals are what kills it for me too. God darn it Good luck.

I don't buy the 'sugar addict' line ..... look, you are depriving yourself of treats and things that are part of enjoying a happy lifestyle. Of course you get home and want to have something you have deemed 'bad' ... the craving sensations will continue until you learn to balance your wants of sweets and fatty foods with the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can have both, you know.

Maybe instead of denying yourself all of these things, you can let yourself have them in moderation. If they fit into your goals for the day, there is no reason not to have them.

Yep.

Vodka and tonic you can make with diet tonic water (regular tonic is deceptively high in calories) for 70 cals a drink.

Yes. Or wine. Stop thinking that you have to suffer to lose weight. You just have to work and count calories.

I used to drink a glass(es) every day after work. When I finally decided I needed to get rid of the 20+ lbs I'd gained over the past couple of years the first thing I did was cut out alcohol intake. There's just no room in my daily intake for the extra calories. It was really difficult. Admittedly it still is (it's been a since November). Each time I crave a glass of wine (or anything with alcohol) I have a cup of tea. Taking the time to make the tea takes my mind off of my craving momentarily. Needless to say....I drink a ton of tea!!!! If and when we have a function to go to I don't abstain completely but I do take pre-cautions. Limit my amount when I can and/or drink vodka and diet coke if we're out for a night with friends. I also make sure to eat before we go out so that I don't cave in to snacking later on.

Again, it's still tough (nothing like a big glass of red on a cold night) but it's so very worth it.

It is severe but I am only keeping up this phase till hubby's birthday 10 in days.

So what happens in 10 days?

I feel that there are different types of relationships with alcohol and one or more can apply depending on the person. Whatever your drinking patterns are, if you cannot reduce your drinking you should seek help. I enjoy moderate drinking (used to be daily-now a few nights per week) but on football gamedays i can easily drink 18+ beers throughout the day along with binging on junk food. I've found that you have to manage your weight every day of your life to reach your goals. This app has really helped me understand the math behind being overweight. It is hard to change habits for sure. This year I have set target weight goals by date that are in front of me as the screensaver on my Ipad. I tried to take into account a couple of long-weekend vacations where I know I will go over.

I'm kind of rambling here but the one thing I've found to be a recipe for success is to set realistic goals. I focus on gradual changes. I thrive off of eating light most of the day, earning calories at the gym and have room to spare at the end of the day. My highest weigh ever was 269. Started MFP in Jan 2012 at 261.8. Down 15lbs since which isn't earth shattering but I know why I didn't lose more and will correct it for 2013. My first goal was 247 by 1/24 and I'm at 246.8 today. Hitting the first of nine goals feels good. I worked a little harder for it but it feels good and provides even more motivation. Taking this to 199 by 1/1/14. I hope. Find what works for you and don't let one slip up mess up your plan.

I only drink with friends and try to plan my friend days in advance. That way I'm good alll week long so I can have my friday night and get back on track saturday morning. Works for me.

This whole thing seems like a really bad idea. Try what others suggested and be sustainable, for you and your husbands sake.

I am just wondering what SQA is ?

Also - calculate the savings of NOT drinking - amazing!!!