Alcohol and Weight Loss

Whether it's alcohol or anything else (sweets, etc.), I think if it fits into your calories/macros for the day, it's not a problem, unless you find yourself unable to consume it in moderation.

I would say go for it, but try to avoid overly sugary mixed drinks (margaritas, Irish Trashcans, etc..) and opt more for beer or straight liquor. A 120z bottle of beer and a shot of hard liquor contain about 120 and 80 calories respectively.... Just enjoy in moderation and you should be fine.

it matters if you aren't eating enough real food to get all the nutrition you need (for health, not weight loss).

As for mimosas, I'd worry more about the amount of OJ than the alcohol calories (don't they just have a little champagne in them? I could be wrong on this, never had one. Just know OJ has a lot of calories).

You'll see a lot of people on here who have lost weight while regularly having a drink or 2. More than that (enough to get trashed or even a little tipsy) and the bigger issue calorie-wise can become eating random stuff you otherwise wouldn't eat.

Best bet calorie wise is liquor with no-cal mixer. Beer wise I think the dark ones like Guinness are best? I tend to like Guinness as you can't really drink a whole ton of them without getting too stuffed. They always feel like a milkshake to me (at least the yummy draft ones do).

Other than that just the normal health issues with too much, but I'd say it's hard to consistently drink too much and still get all the nutrition you need. You might also set your goal at a lower rate (.5 per week) so you have a few more calories to play with. You have to do what you will actually stick to and you don't want to end up feeling isolated from your social circle.

Last piece of advice (because I know a lot of people who drink get weird if they expect you to and you don't) get a seltzer or diet cola with lime at the bar and ask for it in whatever glass the mixed drinks come in and pretend it's gin and tonic or rum and coke or whatever you might drink. With close friends they should support you and understand, but I know sometimes in social settings all the people aren't close enough to you to make you want to have that conversation with them. Sometimes it's easier just to avoid the discussion.

Honestly, the downsides of alcohol are two-fold.

1) CALORIES: But if you plan accordingly you can still lose. I brought myself down to my goal weight still drinking plenty of beer, you just count it into the calories. (See avatar)

2) Self Control: This is the hard part. you have one or two drinks, you want more. Now you're buzzin and wanting munchies. Guess what? It goes back to #1. So as long as you plan accordingly, it's doable.

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As long as you log it, you are fine. I lost 30 pounds in my mid-20s while going out with friends and drinking regularly. It's empty calories, but as long as you make up for it by working out more or eating less that day, you are all good.