Alcohol Calories

AugustCountdown
AugustCountdown Posts: 26 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hey, I wanted to know how you balance the social and drinking part along with a dieting?

I'm nearly finishing my studies so intending to celebrate a lot with friends but in the past when I've done well at losing pounds I end up putting it all back from nightouts, the greasy food I eat at the end and next day hangover food.

I don't go out nearly as much as I used to but even when I do go out I feel like it ruins my hard work but I also don't want to miss out with enjoying myself with friends.

Replies

  • RegainingMyself
    RegainingMyself Posts: 13
    I enjoy having a drink or two, (typically no more than that) with my SO, I base my calories around it. sometimes even plug the drink/s in MFP in the morning so I know what I have to work with.

    Clear drinks like vodka soda, or gin and tonic contain the least amount of calories and seem to be the most bang for your buck.
  • holly3585
    holly3585 Posts: 282 Member
    Just drink Low-cal....i.e. light beer or alcohol with calorie free mixer like tonic or club soda...and don't binge!!! A slice of lemon or lime can dress up just as much as the high calorie fruit juice...oh and skip the greasy food the next day (or that night) . it is all about moderation!
  • TheLittleFangs
    TheLittleFangs Posts: 205 Member
    I think you answered your own question, booze and takeouts are massive calorie culprits. If you must drink gin and slimline tonic, pretty much all single spirits with low calorie mixer are the lowest you can get cals wise. Make a healthy snack for you when you get home before you go out, then you can give the takeaway the swerve. If you are eating out choose where you eat in advance so you can plan what to eat. Have fun!
  • ericzanetti
    ericzanetti Posts: 41 Member
    Just drink Low-cal....i.e. light beer or alcohol with calorie free mixer like tonic or club soda...and don't binge!!! A slice of lemon or lime can dress up just as much as the high calorie fruit juice...oh and skip the greasy food the next day (or that night) . it is all about moderation!

    A can of tonic water has 166 calories (49 g of carbs).

    There is, however, a diet tonic water with 0 cal.
  • mrwalker77
    mrwalker77 Posts: 1
    A good trick is to switch to water on ice with lemon or club soda with a lime twist for every other drink. You still have something in your hand and to sip at. Also, you will be less dehydrated with the hangover the next day. (You might even get to skip the hangover!) Also, I agree with the great tip to make a snack for yourself to eat at home before you even go out. If everyone is eating out together along with the drinking, then, yes, choose the place and what you will order before the alcohol breaks down your will power and focus!
  • thirteeninches
    thirteeninches Posts: 61 Member
    Avoid the hang over over-eating binge altogether by not getting a hang over. My secret (which is not really a secret :) ) is very simple: drink 8 oounces of water for every alcoholic beverage you drink. I also like The LIttle Fang's suggestion of a healthy snack prepared and ready for you when your judgement may be somewhat impaired. And count the alcohol calories into your daily allowance.

    In my experience, dieting and booze do not go well together. I have enjoyed a single glass of wine once a day during a maintenance diet-by glass I mean 5-6 oz-not 12, 16 ounces or anything more, but when I want to lose... no alcohol is the only way. For me anyway, it stops the loss completely. Even a single glass will do it. So I think your goal should be to maintain your weight for that day or two, rather than worrying about losing. If you make it through without gaining, then you won. :)

    Good luck!

    edited to correct fellow user's name-so sorry! and also to say, Mr Walker, you beat me by 3 minutes about the water tip! :)
  • Yazza2
    Yazza2 Posts: 31
    Stick to Vodka..

    If you have to drink alcohol.. pick Vodka w/ Soda water and fresh lemon/lime :)

    And make yourself toast when you get in instead of getting a kebab..

    Have nice low calorie meals during the day.. and maybe get some cardio in.

    Sorted :)
  • April_KT
    April_KT Posts: 332 Member
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[/img]
  • asciiqwerty
    asciiqwerty Posts: 565 Member
    drink whatever you like in moderation,

    i like real ale and wine

    be aware that binge drinking has been found to increase calorie intake in the next 24 hours
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27124357
  • JoshLikesBeer
    JoshLikesBeer Posts: 88 Member
    If I'm planning on drinking in the evening, I'll reduce my calories and carbs throughout the day to account for calories and carbs I expect to get from the drinks. Since MyFitnessPal doesn't track alcohol calories, I count them as sugar calories.

    If you plan on drinking more than one or two drinks, you could do extra cardio during the day before going out to create more of a caloric deficit, so you can drink more. This Saturday, I'm planning on hiking in the mountains for a few hours before I go to a beer festival that afternoon, so it should all balance out. I think.
  • jwooley13
    jwooley13 Posts: 243
    Even when I drink "low-cal" I find that it has big negative impact if I drink too much. I wind up taking a few slices of pizza to the face around 3am and then grazing on anything fried and savory I can get my hands on the next day. Because of this, I really just don't drink like I used to anymore, even in the same circles of friends.

    Also, after reducing caloric intake and losing some weight, be careful. Your tolerance will not be what it was before!
  • maedchen13
    maedchen13 Posts: 4
    The whole not drinking thing is really a struggle for me. We have social gatherings at least once on the weekend, if not more, and they always involve drinking. It's my release. The plus for me is that I could care less to eat after I've been drinking and I rarely get hangovers. Right now I drink rum & diet but thinking of vodka & water for a while. Maybe it'll make a difference? Not to mention the bloating from drinking diet soda.

    I just can't seem to give up my social life for the sake of vanity. Ok, losing 20 lbs would be healthier for me.

    Lifes dilemmas....
  • katkins73
    katkins73 Posts: 416 Member
    When I was younger and had these sorts of nights out I used to prepare a really nice salad for when I got home with chicken and chilli sauce or something that would appeal when drunk and I would look forward to it but quite often skip it and eat it for lunch the next day. I am another that likes vodka, soda and lime juice and then my trick is when everyone else is really drunk I sometimes just drink the soda and lime so they just think I am carrying on and don't get egged in to drink more!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,989 Member
    Just some information for thought:

    Alcohol deters any fat loss (or energy usage for that matter from fat and carbs) until it's completely out of the body. Body uses it as the number one source of fuel while it's in your blood stream.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • 1Cor1510
    1Cor1510 Posts: 413 Member
    I drink Vodka with crystal light. You can buy all different flavors at the store (the liquid kind). Then just ask for a vodka and water at the bar, squirt in your flavor and you're good to go :)
  • tracydr
    tracydr Posts: 528 Member
    I work a shot or even two into my calories for the day. I like a high-end tequila stored in the freezer. (Tres Generacions). I also enjoy beer or wine, maybe one in the afternoon or evening. I like red wine or microbrew beer.
    I keep drinking to no more than two shots or one beer/wine. Add calories in to the daily calories. Usually, its a single shot or glass of wine.
    For low-cal appetizers I choose shrimp cocktail, ceviche or seared ahi tuna. There are usually one or two non-lethal choices on the menu.
    I'm giving a party for my husband's PhD graduation next month. I'll make sure to include plenty of seafood and vegigie appetizers on the menu. I'm thinking edamame, hummus, ceviche, steamed shrimp or lobster made into something, maybe something with salmon. Baked chicken wings,homemade.
    I'll bake a cake ( I don't like cake) and offer a few higher cal things. Make sure it's the stuff that I can live without,lol!
  • AugustCountdown
    AugustCountdown Posts: 26 Member
    Similar situation my friends usually gather nearly every weekend & if its not going for nights out its going for meals & for the past few weeks I haven't been out so next weekend will be my first time but these weeks where I've been in have been depressing for me I would rather go out & have fun with my friends to be honest.

    But seen some great tips of exercising the in the day before going out, preparing some homemade food & taking in less calories before my nightout. I heard that drinks like vodka are the best for dieting but vodka gives me terrible hangovers/headaches so usually have wine & cocktails.

    But will try again on my next nightout!
  • Momjogger
    Momjogger Posts: 750 Member
    Stick to Vodka..

    If you have to drink alcohol.. pick Vodka w/ Soda water and fresh lemon/lime :)

    And make yourself toast when you get in instead of getting a kebab..

    Have nice low calorie meals during the day.. and maybe get some cardio in.

    Sorted :)
    I agree.Other drink options include pinot grigio, light beer, or skinny margaritas (if they don't have skinny mix, get it with seltzer and a bunch of fresh squeezed limes).
  • Momjogger
    Momjogger Posts: 750 Member
    If you want to go out more often, you could also order salads and drink diet soda. You could also decide to have one glass of wine and then switch to water for the rest of the night.
  • Bounce4
    Bounce4 Posts: 288 Member
    Avoid binges - stick to four lower calorie drinks or less (which is still probably classified as a binge but I was in college once and know full well I drank a truck load more than four) You can't reasonably reduce or work off more calories than that.

    Plan and prepare your food for when you get home and for the next day ahead of time. Don't pick carrots - you aren't going to eat that, lol, but you can think of something kind of carby that isn't to bad. It is much easier to make the better choice if it is easy to grab.
  • caldotis
    caldotis Posts: 1
    I just want to say that I have managed to loose weight and still have a drink every single day. No, I'm not getting "drunk" or "wasted" but I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. Sometimes I even have two glasses. I don't believe that alcohol consumption alone prevents weight loss. Calories in vs. calories burned. I just plan for my glass of wine and count the calories like anyone else.

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