Alcohol and Weightloss

It does for me because wine invariably leads to cheese and biscuits And too much wine leads to a stodgy hangover breakfast the next day. Am cutting out all alcohol for 6 weeks because I've seen how much it's helped me before. You could try adding soda to white wine though- you'll feel fuller on fewer calories.

My biggest issue with alcohol is I end up eating more.

My deficit level doesn't allow me a lot of extra calories. So the issue I run into is that I eat my regular calories to meet energy needs. Then I drink extra calories with from the alcohol. The alcohol makes me hungry and reduces my will power, which in turn leads to eating more.

Yes I still drink every couple weeks, and it hasn't really hindered my weight loss. But if I were to drink regularly, I imagine that my loss would stall simply because of all the extra calories.

I cut out alcohol completely. It's liquid calories I can't afford and I'd cut out all other liquid calories bar cups of tea, so it made sense. I also craved food more while drinking, and it made me lose motivation to exercise the next day.

I don't miss it at all now, feel so much better for it. I'm not saying I'll never drink again but that if I want it I'll have it. I haven't this year at all!

Personally, I'd rather eat something than drink it but it's all subjective depending on what motivates you. I know for some of my friends no wine would be a deal breaker.

I dont count it, if I did id be starving by end of the day and would be more likely to binge......so as long as I dont indulge in more than a glass or two I still lose steadily. People say 500 cals of wine is same as 500 cals of junk food but my body disagrees with that, its never stopped me losing. If.... as I get closer to goal my weight stops or slows down ill cut it out completely but until then ill enjoy my wine. it works for me but maybe not everyone, im still eating way less than I used to so in my mind its the junk food that got me fat, not a glass or two of wine.

I think these things vary from person to person, it's a bit like sugary fizzy drinks, some people like them so much they budget calories for them, others don't find them to be worth it so they either don't drink them or keep them for an occasional treat. Log them for a while so you can see the effect on your calorie budget, then make a decision on it.

As for whether alcohol specifically can make weight loss difficult, well, it's pretty high in calories, but if you budget for it that's not really a problem.

The only other issue is that large amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to crash, which can then make you hungry and inclined to eat more. It's a bit like sugar in that way, but it's exaggerated by the fact the alcohol reduces your inhibitions and so may make you more likely to act on the urge to eat. But there is no "magic" in alcohol that makes you put on weight, CICO still applies.

I was shocked when I found out that vodka has calories. How can something that looks like water and doesn't even freeze have any calories? lol. I couldn't believe it.

I do log alcohol, because it can add up more than food. I don't drink beer (can't stand it) and wine occasionally. I like mixed drinks, apple martini, margarita, etc.
I try low calorie / no calorie versions of the mixes or I substitute. For example you can by a Margarita Light bottle (the drink you mix with the tequila) and it has 0 calories. It tastes alright. I add a little extra lemon juice and 2 packets of Truvia (natural sugar substitute like Stevia) and the only calories I'm drinking is the Tequila.
I couldn't find a no calorie mix for the apple martini, so most of the time I drink diet Coke with vodka or rum, or diet sprite with vodka, etc. Not the best, but if I want to have a drink, that's what I have.
When I go out I ask if they can make a Skinny Margarita (even that's about 100 and some calories) or ask for rum and diet Coke.

I used to drink more, but when I realized how many calories are in drinks, I cut back. My other problem is that I get hungry and have cravings after I drink (I guess our inhibitions lower and say "screw the diet" lol). So when I allow myself to have a few drinks at home, I make sure I have enough calories left for the drinks and for a possible snack.
I actually have 1 cheat day a week (I still log everything though) and I have drinks then, and not worry too much. Even then I don't go over 1800 calories or 2000 was the most, so it's not even bad.

But in my opinion, if you don't consider your drinks, and have a few drinks every week, your deficit could be eaten up by them and then you wonder why you aren't losing.

Well, I do like my wine, but even consuming the same number of calories per day I lose weight faster without it. I wonder if it inhibits fat metabolism. Anyhow that is my experience.

I have two glasses a night....but I measure it. I still lose weight.

I don't really drink wine, but have a couple of beers over the weekends. Turns out, Coors light has about half the calories as my favorite beer (Beck's), so I usually choose that now. It fits nicely into my calorie plan without pushing me over the limit.

I love wine, specifically white wine; Chardonnay, moscato, reisling, you name it! My thought, if it is in your calorie allowance and in moderation, it's fine. I have a glass or two, once a week and make sure I have the calories to use (preferably saving for the weekend). Yes, cutting alcohol completely is a great healthy choice, but not for me. I believe it's ok in moderation.

bquartermainNZ wrote: »

I heard that 1 glass of red wine/night is the equivilant to an hour at the gym...

Woah woah woah...let's put that to the mathematical test...
If:
1 glass of red wine = 1 hour in the gym,
Then:
1 hour in the gym = 1 glass of red wine
This is not true at all...the wine is exponentially more fun than the gym!!!

I've managed to have a couple glasses every few days and manage to lose weight.