Alcohol and dieting, advice?
melissaann009
Posts: 22
So I'm looking for some advice here, I'm 21 years old first off, and I'm finding myself in the same dilemma every weekend..whether I should workout more or eat less just so I can go out and drink..I know that the healthiest choice would be to just cut alcohol all together but I don't see that as being an attainable goal for me at this time..so I'm looking for advice/suggestions from anyone that may be in a similar situation..how much is an ok amount to drink, what would be the best thing to drink, and should I be eating less to save calories for my drinks or is that even less healthy? Anyone who has any input on how to balance dieting and my current social life would be greatly appreciated!!
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How much you can drink varies from person to person. I have eaten less/exercised to save calories for alcohol. If you don't set a limit for yourself beforehand you will probably drink too much. There is another post very similar to this about weekends so there may be more suggestions you want to look at there
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Thanks! I will check that out 0
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Alcohol hinders your bodies ability to process fat. It's a fact, google it. So, drink less. I don't know why abstinence is always off the table for people. But, whatever. The answer is easy to me. Drink less or none. Those are your options.0
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I am a "pub child". My dad owns 4 british pubs. Im scottish. drinking is and has been in my life forever lol.
Anyone who knows me knows im a drinker and that i love going out and socializing etc.
I HAVE NOT HAD A DRINK SINCE JANUARY 6TH. (program started jan 7th)
The way I see it...i want to lose weight as safely and quickly as possible. It is a slow, progressive process. Alcohol is going to delay results. I am not saying I will never drink again (that is unattainable for me) BUT i am committed to this program and losing weight so have to make the sacrifice!!! I will allow myself a night out every couple of months or something.
IT CAN BE DONE!!! TRUST ME IF I CAN, ANYONE CAN!0 -
This blog may help.http://thedormdiet.com/alcohol/
Go to the bottom of the blog for strategies with drinking and maintaining a great figure.0 -
I have been drinking WAY less.. Possibly because since I've lost almost 40 lbs drinks hit me a lot faster. I actually order a water in between two drinks to the next- I tend to get full from the liquid and my wallet is saying "Thank you!" But overall I'd try to cut back on it! 0
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anyone else having a hard time giving up alcohol Try this topic from earlier today which has lots of input/advice that should help you on your journey. You're not the only one with this issue/question!0
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I'm 23 and I have the same problem. I usually go out around 1-2 nights a week and drink quite a lot. I tend to stick to vodka with diet soda. While I know alcohol has definitely hindered my progress, it is unrealistic for me not to drink. My trick is to try and eat less during the week and treat booze as my "cheating".
Even drinking 1-2 nights a week I still have seen great progress! I've dropped from a XL to a L/M top and size 20 to 12/14 bottoms in 6 months.
Also, dont forget to resist drunk food! Buy pickles and eat those if you tend to get the drunk munchies!
Oh and I should add that the more weight you loose the easier it is for you to get drunk so be careful aha you won't need as much to drink. I tend to forget this!0 -
So I'm looking for some advice here, I'm 21 years old first off, and I'm finding myself in the same dilemma every weekend..whether I should workout more or eat less just so I can go out and drink..I know that the healthiest choice would be to just cut alcohol all together but I don't see that as being an attainable goal for me at this time..so I'm looking for advice/suggestions from anyone that may be in a similar situation..how much is an ok amount to drink, what would be the best thing to drink, and should I be eating less to save calories for my drinks or is that even less healthy? Anyone who has any input on how to balance dieting and my current social life would be greatly appreciated!!
Seriously, if you are trying to choose between nutrition and alcohol, you just might have a problem with alcohol...0 -
Bump, would like to know that too.
I guess just exercising more would do the trick though.
Drink back the burned calories instead of eating them back haha.0 -
Once you see the pounds come off you find yourself motivated to keep going. I cut way way back, from nightly to once a week. I have a beer once a week, if we go out I'll have 2 cocktails, but it's in moderation. I'm also at the stage of enjoying the drink and company, not pounding them back like I did years ago.0
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I would say..just stop drinking. You don't really need to drink, it's not great for your liver. A glass of red wine at night may have a vasodilation effect...meaning it will widen the blood vessels allowing blood to flow freely and even helping with headaches or any kind of constriction in the blood vessels. But things like beer make you feel bloated, margaritas have too much sugar. I would just quit any alcohol. It's too risky to get dependent on it anyway. And if you "have" to go out and drink, limit your drinks, and try to exercise enough so that the drinks won't count against your total calories. But I would hate to work out just to have extra drinks.0
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Bump, would like to know that too.
I guess just exercising more would do the trick though.
Drink back the burned calories instead of eating them back haha.
^^^^^^^^ Hear hear!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^
:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:0 -
So I'm looking for some advice here, I'm 21 years old first off, and I'm finding myself in the same dilemma every weekend..whether I should workout more or eat less just so I can go out and drink..I know that the healthiest choice would be to just cut alcohol all together but I don't see that as being an attainable goal for me at this time..so I'm looking for advice/suggestions from anyone that may be in a similar situation..how much is an ok amount to drink, what would be the best thing to drink, and should I be eating less to save calories for my drinks or is that even less healthy? Anyone who has any input on how to balance dieting and my current social life would be greatly appreciated!!
Seriously, if you are trying to choose between nutrition and alcohol, you just might have a problem with alcohol...
A lot of people have a problem with alcohol...just like some people have problem with chocolate or salted items...or cutting or anything else that they may have a problem with,
sometimes asking for help gives other people the chance to give advice?0 -
im also 21 and every weekend i love to go out with the girls to the club. i usually drink but since i started mfp i say no. i just stopped drinking and yes i am tempted but i rather have good health. and i feel way better now that i dont drink. hope this helps you can always cut back on the liquor if you dont want all those calories. its all up to you and your will power 0
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So I'm looking for some advice here, I'm 21 years old first off, and I'm finding myself in the same dilemma every weekend..whether I should workout more or eat less just so I can go out and drink..I know that the healthiest choice would be to just cut alcohol all together but I don't see that as being an attainable goal for me at this time..so I'm looking for advice/suggestions from anyone that may be in a similar situation..how much is an ok amount to drink, what would be the best thing to drink, and should I be eating less to save calories for my drinks or is that even less healthy? Anyone who has any input on how to balance dieting and my current social life would be greatly appreciated!!
Seriously, if you are trying to choose between nutrition and alcohol, you just might have a problem with alcohol...
self-righteous much?
as with anything, just try to moderate. drink a glass of water between drinks.
i remember when i was your age, there was this mentality that every night out was going to be the most awesome night ever. if i say no, i might miss something amazing. believe me, you won't miss anything by saying no once in a while. and it makes the nights out that much better when you do have them. small changes my dear.0 -
I doubt she has a problem with alcohol. She's 21. It's what 21 year olds do. That being said, I'm 23 and still drink all the time. I've still lost weight just not very fast. Depends on how quickly you want to lose weight. I can't drink every day anymore like I used to but I can on the weekends and once in a while during the week. It's helped me to log what I'm drinking before I drink it. Good luck.0
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drinking's unhealthy as It is, but it's nice once in a while. I know, you're 21, finally able to do it. I envy you. I was prego at 21. but I've been doing some research and reading all kinds of books to get me going. just finished the biggest loser, and they give a guide to drinking. 12oz reg beer has about 150 cals. a shot 1.6 oz of 80 proof has about 100, and a 5oz glass of wine (unspecified red or white) has a bout 100. also explains how drinking increases appetite and can make you over eat. also heard that vodka is pretty low cal.0
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She's 21. It's not choosing between health and alcohol, it's balancing healthful eating with a social life. At that age especially, it's difficult to have a healthy social life if you abstain from alcohol (though certainly not impossible).0
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Bump, would like to know that too.
I guess just exercising more would do the trick though.
Drink back the burned calories instead of eating them back haha.
^^^^^^^^ Hear hear!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^
:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:
This is what I do!0 -
To the OP try to maybe put a glass of water in between your alcoholic drinks when you are out.
Exercise a lot the day before and exercise a lot the day after to try to minimize the cals.
Try to drink clear drinks .the darker the drink the more sugar there is...but at the end of the day there is only you that can control how much you drink (or eat or exercise)0 -
So I'm looking for some advice here, I'm 21 years old first off, and I'm finding myself in the same dilemma every weekend..whether I should workout more or eat less just so I can go out and drink..I know that the healthiest choice would be to just cut alcohol all together but I don't see that as being an attainable goal for me at this time..so I'm looking for advice/suggestions from anyone that may be in a similar situation..how much is an ok amount to drink, what would be the best thing to drink, and should I be eating less to save calories for my drinks or is that even less healthy? Anyone who has any input on how to balance dieting and my current social life would be greatly appreciated!!
Seriously, if you are trying to choose between nutrition and alcohol, you just might have a problem with alcohol...
Wow, you must have never been a 21 year old. What a rude comment. I agree with another post. everyone has their vices. Whether it's alcohol, fried food, chocolate, etc, it's all the same. Aren't we on here to offer helpful suggestions?0 -
go out and do it right! healthy living is hard, but if you don't experience the great times alcohol brings you may miss out. before you get into your chicken and rice and 8hrs sleep healthy life. working out and seeing results is amazing, but painting a town red takes talent0
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Seriously, if you are trying to choose between nutrition and alcohol, you just might have a problem with alcohol...
I didn't read anything about her choosing between nutrition and alcohol.
OP- I will exercise more just so I can drink wine with dinner. I plan for what I'm going to drink and make it fit with my goals. Just because you want to enjoy alcohol and want to know how you can still remain fit or lose weight while doing so does not mean you ahve a problem. You're 21 and there is nothing wrong with enjoying alcohol as long as you're responsible. :drinker:0 -
At 38, I still enjoy more than my fair share of adult beverages. I've cut them back considerably since starting MFP, but I also like to go have some fun. If you're concerned with calories, stick to booze with diet mixers or straight up/on the rocks. If I've had a rather "fun" night, I've found it beneficial to go for a good run or something the next day...not so much to burn those calories, but it clears the fog and burns off that remaining sugar. Also, one of the worst things you can do while you drink is eat...when you drink your body can only metabolize the alcohol...it stops metabolizing everything else because the body cannot store those sugars, it has to burn them; once it's done metabolizing the booze everything you ate in while you were partying down pretty much just goes straight to fat. Also, you will get little to no benefit from the nutrients you took in...as your body is too busy trying to metabolize the booze to absorb nutrients.0
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I think the best piece of advice is...plan ahead. Work out an extra day, extra hard, then plan how many ahead and stick to it. I also order water between (like several of the posts mention). You're 21, enjoy it, just don't party away all your hardwork every weekend. You're in this for the long haul, slow and steady with the weight loss is the best plan. So a little over indulgence once in a while is to be expected, just try not to make it a habit. You go girl!0
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I drink on a regular basis, a drink or so a night. Vodka, and diet 7up or sugar free redbull or whiskey and diet coke when I'm out.
If you feel like you need to drink when you go out, then make sure you have the calories to do so, or just be a bit more active to get more calories to burn through. It's also a lot easier to drink when you're maintaining 1,500 or more calories. I'm accepting of the slower weight loss, but am appreciate of having more ~wiggle room in a week. That being said, when I first started here, I was trying 1,200 a day and on nights I would go out I would try to sleep all day, or put off eating until I would go out so I could keep my calories in range. It wasn't the smartest choice. I felt horrible, and wasn't losing, and wasn't happy with my choices.0 -
I would not tell anyone to cut anything out of their diet that they enjoy--soda, fried food, ice cream or alcohol. For me, I make sure that I meet 90% of my macros with food before I add in alcohol. I often use my exercise calories for alcohol--WIll Kickbox for Wine.0
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Advice : stop drinking and make that your goal :glasses:0
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I'm not sure what you're calorie goal is, but do not short-change nutrition in order to be able to drink. Make sure you take care of your nutrition first, but I like a drink or two as much as the next girl. I agree that the best idea is to plan for it. Look up your favorite drinks here, or getdrunknotfat, or some other calorie database. A good beer has 150-200 calories, a glass of wine can have 100-150 depending on the pour, liquor is around 70 per oz. but the mixers are killer. Tonic water has about as many calories as a regular soda. I don't much care for diet drinks so I usually mix with club soda and a splash of orange or cranberry if I want sweetness. Decide before you go out how many drinks you want to max out at and the associated calories you want to spend on that night. Alternate drinks with a glass of water. And be really careful about the drunk munchies, you can do a lot of damage. If it doesn't just seem worth it some nights, offer to be DD.
Have fun, be responsible, but don't beat yourself up about occasionally having one too many drinks or hot wings.
ETA the OP said she has wondered if she should workout more or eat less so she could go out and drink, that's why I cautioned about making sure she takes care of nutrition first. When I started out on a VLCD I did some bargaining to eat less food so I could have wine at night which led to some self-reflection. Perhaps a little projection on my part. Now I make sure that my macros are good and earn extra calories through excercise.0
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