College & drinking?
jackieomara
Posts: 119 Member
Hi everyone 
So, I've been on a good path of eating healthy and working out. The only thing is that after a long week of studying and school work, I need to go out and have drinks to relax and have fun (senior in college, drinking with roommates and going out to the bars, etc). Also-I've done MFP multiple times throughout college with success, but I cut out a lot of drinking during those times.
What is the healthiest way to go about this while also sticking to my plan? We usually pre game at our place and then go to the bars, so any drink suggestions for either would be great! And yes, I want to get buzzed/drunk doing so and no, I'm not going to completely cut out drinking, that will be after graduation haha.
Thanks!
(feel free to add me too!)
So, I've been on a good path of eating healthy and working out. The only thing is that after a long week of studying and school work, I need to go out and have drinks to relax and have fun (senior in college, drinking with roommates and going out to the bars, etc). Also-I've done MFP multiple times throughout college with success, but I cut out a lot of drinking during those times.
What is the healthiest way to go about this while also sticking to my plan? We usually pre game at our place and then go to the bars, so any drink suggestions for either would be great! And yes, I want to get buzzed/drunk doing so and no, I'm not going to completely cut out drinking, that will be after graduation haha.
Thanks!
(feel free to add me too!)
0
Replies
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As far as drink suggestions, stay away from "girly drinks" that have tons of sugar in them. Besides that, there's not that big of a difference between hard alcohol and beer. It's the actual alcohol that contains the calories. Alcohol has calories but doesn't provide any positive nutritional content to your body, so if you've eaten your regular calorie intake and then drink that night, you will go over your calories. Just make sure you fit your drinks into your diary, or if you know you're going to go over one night, eat less the day before and after to compensate.0
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thanks! i usually work out a little extra on days i know i'll be drinking0
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thanks! i usually work out a little extra on days i know i'll be drinking
^ Yea can't believe I forgot to mention that, burning extra calories through cardio on that day will definitely be helpful0 -
I'm sorry. You do not "need" to drink.0
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Buy Skinnygirl or just don't drink. I've gone 20 years without a sip of alcohol and I'm doing just fine without it.
ETA: http://skinnygirlcocktails.com/lpa0 -
I'm sorry. You do not "need" to drink.
She's in college...lighten up0 -
I'm sorry. You do not "need" to drink.
ok. i want to. i meant "need" loosely considering i mentioned being stressed out all week.0 -
Here's some more info for you on drinks: I don't know what you like so I'll just list a bunch!
Rum and Diet Coke (8 oz): 100 cals
Mike's Hard Lemonade (11 oz): 98 cals
Vodka and tonic (8 oz): 200 cals
Screwdriver (8 oz): 190 cals
Champagne (5oz): 106-120 cals
White wine (5 oz): 120 cals
Red wine (5 oz):120 cals
Bloody Mary (5 oz): 118 cals
Martini (2.5 oz): 160 cals
Green apple martini: 148 cals
Margarita (8 oz): 200 cals
Cosmo (4 oz): 200 cals
Long Island iced tea (8 oz): 780 cals0 -
Like AJ_G said, if you know in advance that you'll be drinking Friday or whatever, just plan accordingly. Do that extra 20 minutes of cardio and try to lighten up your calorie load the day after. Keep in mind that if you're going to be getting buzzed, you're probably going to want to eat some snacks. Bar food is so delicious, but pretty terrible for you. Have fun, but be aware the calorie count may be monstrous.
I am of the opinion that everybody needs a cheat day every now and then to be successful. You're much more likely to stick to a healthier lifestyle if you know that you have some freedom to have the "bad" foods you want every once in a while.0 -
jack daniels, on the rocks, splash of diet coke - 100 calorie per one ounce pour…no carbs too..
vodak is about 100 calories per serving…
beer is usually what gets me ..I can slug down 10 bud lights no problem but that is like 1200 calories…whoops...0 -
Everyone has their own priorities at different stages of their lives. If going out for drinks is important to you, and not a health or work problem, enjoy! I switched from beer to vodka soda lime (not tonic, as there are way more calories), or whiskey/bourbon with some ice. Plenty of water in between (usually soda water with lime, helps hydrate and prevent hangovers and delays the frequency of drinks).
Beer is fine, but depending on the type there can be more calories per equivalent alcohol serving (I like my craft stouts and porters) ... The typical craft beer is in the mid hundreds per 12 ounces, while some of my personal favorites break 200 or more ... Add up four or five of those, and it's a substantial difference. Also, obviously, beer is just more filling/bloating than an equivalent spirit ...
Of course, ymmv ...0 -
I'm sorry. You do not "need" to drink.
ok. i want to. i meant "need" loosely considering i mentioned being stressed out all week.
Everyone else got it
Just drink simple drinks (beer, liquor, wine rather than the fru frus) and moderate your intake0 -
thanks everyone!!Here's some more info for you on drinks: I don't know what you like so I'll just list a bunch!
Rum and Diet Coke (8 oz): 100 cals
Mike's Hard Lemonade (11 oz): 98 cals
Vodka and tonic (8 oz): 200 cals
Screwdriver (8 oz): 190 cals
Champagne (5oz): 106-120 cals
White wine (5 oz): 120 cals
Red wine (5 oz):120 cals
Bloody Mary (5 oz): 118 cals
Martini (2.5 oz): 160 cals
Green apple martini: 148 cals
Margarita (8 oz): 200 cals
Cosmo (4 oz): 200 cals
Long Island iced tea (8 oz): 780 cals
perfect!! thank you! omg, yikes @ the long islands.Everyone has their own priorities at different stages of their lives. If going out for drinks is important to you, and not a health or work problem, enjoy! I switched from beer to vodka soda lime (not tonic, as there are way more calories), or whiskey/bourbon with some ice. Plenty of water in between (usually soda water with lime, helps hydrate and prevent hangovers and delays the frequency of drinks).
Beer is fine, but depending on the type there can be more calories per equivalent alcohol serving (I like my craft stouts and porters) ... The typical craft beer is in the mid hundreds per 12 ounces, while some of my personal favorites break 200 or more ... Add up four or five of those, and it's a substantial difference. Also, obviously, beer is just more filling/bloating than an equivalent spirit ...
Of course, ymmv ...
thank you!! yessss, i normally drink water in between drinks at the bars just for the hangover issue hahaha.0 -
thanks everyone!!Here's some more info for you on drinks: I don't know what you like so I'll just list a bunch!
Rum and Diet Coke (8 oz): 100 cals
Mike's Hard Lemonade (11 oz): 98 cals
Vodka and tonic (8 oz): 200 cals
Screwdriver (8 oz): 190 cals
Champagne (5oz): 106-120 cals
White wine (5 oz): 120 cals
Red wine (5 oz):120 cals
Bloody Mary (5 oz): 118 cals
Martini (2.5 oz): 160 cals
Green apple martini: 148 cals
Margarita (8 oz): 200 cals
Cosmo (4 oz): 200 cals
Long Island iced tea (8 oz): 780 cals
perfect!! thank you! omg, yikes @ the long islands.Everyone has their own priorities at different stages of their lives. If going out for drinks is important to you, and not a health or work problem, enjoy! I switched from beer to vodka soda lime (not tonic, as there are way more calories), or whiskey/bourbon with some ice. Plenty of water in between (usually soda water with lime, helps hydrate and prevent hangovers and delays the frequency of drinks).
Beer is fine, but depending on the type there can be more calories per equivalent alcohol serving (I like my craft stouts and porters) ... The typical craft beer is in the mid hundreds per 12 ounces, while some of my personal favorites break 200 or more ... Add up four or five of those, and it's a substantial difference. Also, obviously, beer is just more filling/bloating than an equivalent spirit ...
Of course, ymmv ...
thank you!! yessss, i normally drink water in between drinks at the bars just for the hangover issue hahaha.
My eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw how many calories were in them! Stay away haha
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Here's some more info for you on drinks: I don't know what you like so I'll just list a bunch!
Rum and Diet Coke (8 oz): 100 cals
Mike's Hard Lemonade (11 oz): 98 cals
Vodka and tonic (8 oz): 200 cals
Screwdriver (8 oz): 190 cals
Champagne (5oz): 106-120 cals
White wine (5 oz): 120 cals
Red wine (5 oz):120 cals
Bloody Mary (5 oz): 118 cals
Martini (2.5 oz): 160 cals
Green apple martini: 148 cals
Margarita (8 oz): 200 cals
Cosmo (4 oz): 200 cals
Long Island iced tea (8 oz): 780 cals
WTF long island iced tea are you drinking? The highest calorie one I've seen in 500 calories at TGIF for 12 ounces.0 -
I go for vodka with sugar-free redbull. Basically, your best bet is going with hard liquor mixed with diet pop, or other sugar-free stuff.
Stay away from the sugary, girly mixed drinks.0 -
I go for vodka with sugar-free redbull. Basically, your best bet is going with hard liquor mixed with diet pop, or other sugar-free stuff.
Stay away from the sugary, girly mixed drinks.
yea, they make you sick, give you a nasty hangover, and have a crap ton of calories in them...0 -
Hey! I totally empathize with this post, drinking is DEFINITELY my biggest downfall. I would give it up but...it is honestly so hard to be social without getting drunk. But anyways, I usually like beer (from cans/bottles) because of the portion control. Also when I'm at a bar I always order a vodka soda. If it's too bitter for you, ask for some extra lemon slices. Sometimes I'll have a glass or two of wine if I'm staying in with my friends. I also like doing tequila shots (I try to stick to 2-3) because if you just use lime and salt to chase, I don't need any sugary chasers like juice. I also second the vodka + sugar-free Red Bull thing!
Good luck!0 -
Hey! I totally empathize with this post, drinking is DEFINITELY my biggest downfall. I would give it up but...it is honestly so hard to be social without getting drunk. But anyways, I usually like beer (from cans/bottles) because of the portion control. Also when I'm at a bar I always order a vodka soda. If it's too bitter for you, ask for some extra lemon slices. Sometimes I'll have a glass or two of wine if I'm staying in with my friends. I also like doing tequila shots (I try to stick to 2-3) because if you just use lime and salt to chase, I don't need any sugary chasers like juice. I also second the vodka + sugar-free Red Bull thing!
Good luck!
perfect, thank you!!0 -
Hi everyone
So, I've been on a good path of eating healthy and working out. The only thing is that after a long week of studying and school work, I need to go out and have drinks to relax and have fun (senior in college, drinking with roommates and going out to the bars, etc). Also-I've done MFP multiple times throughout college with success, but I cut out a lot of drinking during those times.
What is the healthiest way to go about this while also sticking to my plan? We usually pre game at our place and then go to the bars, so any drink suggestions for either would be great! And yes, I want to get buzzed/drunk doing so and no, I'm not going to completely cut out drinking, that will be after graduation haha.
Thanks!
(feel free to add me too!)
you don't NEED to go to a bar and drink. you want to.
i'm not saying you have to stay home and abstain from drinking. i like to have a drink or two myself. but a while back, i learned to not blow off steam like that.
make working out the way you relax. seriously, a good work out lets out all those good endorphins, and you can then go out and drink without any type of guilt or thinking "ugh, more time at the gym tomorrow."
and if you think you'll stop drinking when you finish college and fully enter the workforce, lol, good luck!0 -
I heard on the radio the other day that putting hard alcohol in a diet soda vs regular soda causes you to become intoxicated more quickly, something like the diet soda people tested were 18% more drunk that the regular soda people. Craziness.0
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If you are really planning to drink a lot then I suggest that you do not over restrict your eating. You still need the same amount of food and nutrition. And you will have a more fun time if you do not drink on an empty stomach. I understand that you want to get buzzed or drunk. Maintaining a slow and steady buzz is really what most people are looking for. Too much, too fast, is never actually fun. At least not for me. I guess I do have an extremely low tolerance for alcohol. If you do drink on an empty stomach you will be more likely to binge on food that night and have a hangover the next morning. Maybe set a weekly goal, so you can compensate for the drinking during the whole week and not just in one day.
You could plan in advance how many drinks you are going to have and then stick to that.0 -
I heard on the radio the other day that putting hard alcohol in a diet soda vs regular soda causes you to become intoxicated more quickly, something like the diet soda people tested were 18% more drunk that the regular soda people. Craziness.
Awesome! I'm so trying this :drinker:0 -
Back in college my drink was a vodka club with a twist of lime. Or beer. Or tequila shots.
Now that I'm old I drink wine.
Binary gives a great suggestion. Be sure to eat before you start drinking so that you don't chow down a whole pizza at 2am. Ahhhhh, the memories.
Have a blast your senior year. Enjoy it. You don't get to relive those moments.0 -
Hahaha, I actually dealt with this yesterday! I wanted to have a few margaritas, so I budgeted my calories for them. I ended up actually drinking more once I got started (as we all know tends to happen). I just kept myself honest and logged it. In my drunk stupor I got really upset about going over on calories, so I logged my exercise from the day, which I usually don't do because I don't like getting the extra calories. But it made me feel better. Today I'm going to make sure and eat less, and between that and the fact that I didn't log my exercise, I should be fine. Also, maybe try to cut back to every other weekend? I know how stressful it is, and I love booze, but I definitely have cut down the frequency. BONUS if you cut back on the frequency, you'll get drunk easier aka off less calories!
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Hi everyone
So, I've been on a good path of eating healthy and working out. The only thing is that after a long week of studying and school work, I need to go out and have drinks to relax and have fun (senior in college, drinking with roommates and going out to the bars, etc). Also-I've done MFP multiple times throughout college with success, but I cut out a lot of drinking during those times.
What is the healthiest way to go about this while also sticking to my plan? We usually pre game at our place and then go to the bars, so any drink suggestions for either would be great! And yes, I want to get buzzed/drunk doing so and no, I'm not going to completely cut out drinking, that will be after graduation haha.
Thanks!
(feel free to add me too!)
you don't NEED to go to a bar and drink. you want to.
i'm not saying you have to stay home and abstain from drinking. i like to have a drink or two myself. but a while back, i learned to not blow off steam like that.
make working out the way you relax. seriously, a good work out lets out all those good endorphins, and you can then go out and drink without any type of guilt or thinking "ugh, more time at the gym tomorrow."
and if you think you'll stop drinking when you finish college and fully enter the workforce, lol, good luck!
I graduated last May from college. You do need to go out and drink during school. And this *kitten* hat is wrong, it is easy to quit drinking when you get a job.
I've never tried it, but as recommended here the skinny girl brand is supposed to have less cals. Other than that stick to shots of normal liquor (no rumchada or fireball), light beer if that's your thing, don't drink too much and most importantly don't drunk eat a ton of calories which is super easy to do. Finally go dancing! Standing and talking are great calorie burners, but if you go dancing you could burn off a ton of the calories you are drinking!0 -
LOL, credible or not I am testing it this weekend! :drinker:I heard on the radio the other day that putting hard alcohol in a diet soda vs regular soda causes you to become intoxicated more quickly, something like the diet soda people tested were 18% more drunk that the regular soda people. Craziness.
Awesome! I'm so trying this :drinker:0 -
Hi everyone
So, I've been on a good path of eating healthy and working out. The only thing is that after a long week of studying and school work, I need to go out and have drinks to relax and have fun (senior in college, drinking with roommates and going out to the bars, etc). Also-I've done MFP multiple times throughout college with success, but I cut out a lot of drinking during those times.
What is the healthiest way to go about this while also sticking to my plan? We usually pre game at our place and then go to the bars, so any drink suggestions for either would be great! And yes, I want to get buzzed/drunk doing so and no, I'm not going to completely cut out drinking, that will be after graduation haha.
Thanks!
(feel free to add me too!)
you don't NEED to go to a bar and drink. you want to.
i'm not saying you have to stay home and abstain from drinking. i like to have a drink or two myself. but a while back, i learned to not blow off steam like that.
make working out the way you relax. seriously, a good work out lets out all those good endorphins, and you can then go out and drink without any type of guilt or thinking "ugh, more time at the gym tomorrow."
and if you think you'll stop drinking when you finish college and fully enter the workforce, lol, good luck!
I graduated last May from college. You do need to go out and drink during school. And this *kitten* hat is wrong, it is easy to quit drinking when you get a job.
I've never tried it, but as recommended here the skinny girl brand is supposed to have less cals. Other than that stick to shots of normal liquor (no rumchada or fireball), light beer if that's your thing, don't drink too much and most importantly don't drunk eat a ton of calories which is super easy to do. Finally go dancing! Standing and talking are great calorie burners, but if you go dancing you could burn off a ton of the calories you are drinking!
really dude?? where is the hostility coming from?0 -
For my money, gin/vodka and diet tonic or a pint of Guinness are your best bang for your (calorie) buck. If you can afford (or even locate, in a college town!) better bourbon, you can drink it on the rocks with a splash of water and pretend you're not dieting, you're just pretentious. Or just do a few widely-spaced shots through the evening, and nurse a beer in between.
Light beers are horrendous, and for me as a "grownup" not worth even considering, but I'm sure I probably drank worse in college. If you must, Sam Adams Light isn't all that bad. And I wouldn't turn down an evening of tequila shots and a couple of Corona Lights with a lime.
But whatever you do, DO NOT skimp on eating to save calories for drinking. You will regret it. Probably violently. (Don't ask how I know this.)
Personally, my downfall isn't so much the actual alcohol calories themselves, but the fact that after two or three drinks, those nachos or wings or pizza always sound like a much better idea than they did a couple of hours ago. If that's a problem for you, too, maybe you can steer the evening to include the wings or whatever early on, when your judgment is better. Then you can stash a bag of baked chips or something to bring along when everyone else wants to make the late-night food run. You'll still have that munchy craving, but you might be able to resist the worst of it if you have somewhere you can channel it.
I'm guessing you and your friends probably have a few favorite bars, so know what they stock and plan your drinking just like you do your meals. And if you're a regular, you can probably ask them to have a couple of bottles of diet tonic on hand for you if they don't normally carry it.
Drink safe, and have fun!0 -
Hi everyone
So, I've been on a good path of eating healthy and working out. The only thing is that after a long week of studying and school work, I need to go out and have drinks to relax and have fun (senior in college, drinking with roommates and going out to the bars, etc). Also-I've done MFP multiple times throughout college with success, but I cut out a lot of drinking during those times.
What is the healthiest way to go about this while also sticking to my plan? We usually pre game at our place and then go to the bars, so any drink suggestions for either would be great! And yes, I want to get buzzed/drunk doing so and no, I'm not going to completely cut out drinking, that will be after graduation haha.
Thanks!
(feel free to add me too!)
you don't NEED to go to a bar and drink. you want to.
i'm not saying you have to stay home and abstain from drinking. i like to have a drink or two myself. but a while back, i learned to not blow off steam like that.
make working out the way you relax. seriously, a good work out lets out all those good endorphins, and you can then go out and drink without any type of guilt or thinking "ugh, more time at the gym tomorrow."
and if you think you'll stop drinking when you finish college and fully enter the workforce, lol, good luck!
I graduated last May from college. You do need to go out and drink during school. And this *kitten* hat is wrong, it is easy to quit drinking when you get a job.
I've never tried it, but as recommended here the skinny girl brand is supposed to have less cals. Other than that stick to shots of normal liquor (no rumchada or fireball), light beer if that's your thing, don't drink too much and most importantly don't drunk eat a ton of calories which is super easy to do. Finally go dancing! Standing and talking are great calorie burners, but if you go dancing you could burn off a ton of the calories you are drinking!
Name-calling is so sophisticated and grown-up... twerp.
OP: work your drink nights into your calorie allotment, go for liquor with low-calorie mixers like soda water or diet (if you must) or white wine over crazy overpriced cocktails. Vodka-soda and gin-soda are my go-to's. And when I have had my fill, I switch to plain club soda with lime. Looks like a drink, and helps stave off the hangovers.0
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