No more wine time for this little drunk duck
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I just workout harder, bourbon is my devilish desire! Probably not a good thing to volunteer at a distillery that makes my particular taste.....2
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Hi Vanessa, like the other posters said only you can decide if it is a problem for you or not. We are not qualified to do that. I am an alcoholic and attend AA meetings myself. The AA Big Book states that if you are not sure if you have a problem to go out, drink, and try to stop abruptly. Try it a few times. Or like you said, try to lay off for a month. You should be able to tell if you are honest with yourself. Hopefully, you don't have a problem and it is just a bad habit. Some people are able to quit with ample motivation. I sincerely hope you are one of them because alcoholism is no joke. The only reason I made mention of this is the concern that you said if it is in the house, it is gone and that your genetics may predispose you to it. Just be careful!
I am a chronic relapser and have found that it greatly hinders my weight loss not just because of the binges but because of the amount/type of food I will eat during those binges. I think there is only a small possibility of losing weight while drinking large amounts of alcohol.
Best of luck to you on your journey!5 -
i make room in my day for 8 oz of red wine most nights, and also, 1-2 pieces of chocolate. if i had to choose the wine would stay and the chocolate could go most days. i wait until dinner is cooked and measure out my 8 oz and some nights i don't finish it but most i do. i enjoy it and so i fit it into my day.
going out and really binge drinking i've cut way back on. i used to go out 2-3 times a week and could take down 2,000 calories in alcohol without batting an eye (craft beers are killer). since i've been tracking though i don't want to blow a week of hard work more often than not, so i pick my battles and usually just opt for brunch splurges.
this weekend i knew i was going to a beer festival and then bar hopping so i worked out and ate a nutritious and filling meal in the middle of the day and then i figured with over 1,000 banked calories from the week i could afford it. with all the walking i didn't even go over my daily budget, but sunday i wanted to literally die. i learned that i changed more than my calorie intake, i changed the whole way my body reacts to alcohol. something i'll have to be more mindful of in the future.0 -
Oh, la. I love wine too. Previously red. Then I moved from North America to Europe in 2013 and have discovered Moselle whites... wait... this thread is about losing weight... let me start again...
When I started with MFP on 1 Nov last year one thing that struck a chord was that you have to log EVERYTHING! So I thought. "Ok. I will log my wine." I bet if I looked back at my food diary I drank at least one glass of red every day. Sometimes more. Sometimes less. But on average mostly one glass of wine at least five days a week. And I included it in my calorie deficit - I was eating 1200 cals rigidly for the first three months at least. The lbs were dropping as a result of the overall calorie deficit, of course.
I also started researching and learned that, in general, non-sweet white wines have fewer calories than red. So I started drinking white wine. Meant I could have a teeny bit more - not much more, mind you.
Then Christmas rolled around and it was New Year's Resolution time and I always make (and mostly keep) NY Resolutions. So in 2016 I resolved to:
1. Log faithfully for one year
2. Exercise more
3. Drink more Champagne - lo and behold non sweet champagne (or Cremant here in Luxembourg) can be relatively low in calories - even lower than many white wines!
That worked for me. I effectively switched to bubbly white of some sort. It was my 'therapy' as I dropped about 45 lbs. I have to mention also that although I have a horrendous sweet tooth I was somehow able to live with out desserts for weeks at a time - that 'glass of wine' at the end of the day helped the days go by.
I still log darn near every drop.
Also now on days I don't drink a glass of wine I have mint tea.
You can do it, too. Just take it day by day.
Edited to add "Cheers!"
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Wine is my downfall too. While intellectually I understand portion control, there is part of me that seems to think 1 portion of wine = 1 bottle not a 5 - 6 oz glass.
What I did to cut down:- got it out of the house; granted we drank what was there but when it was gone did not replace it
- have a full glass of water between every drink
- offer to be the designated driver; after learning my lesson the hard way I won't even have 1 if I have to drive. Part of my problem has always been that while I can eat 1 potato chip, I can't have 1 drink. The inhibition I lose first is the ability to say "no thank you I don't want a 2nd drink." I can go out & not drink but I can't do 1 so I just don't start.
If calories are your concern, wine is one of the better choices at around 120 calories per glass but you will consume less calories with light beer (some have as few as 64) or vodka & club or run & diet coke, even gin & diet tonic (regular tonic alone is 130 calories, for what I don't know)1 - got it out of the house; granted we drank what was there but when it was gone did not replace it
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As a recovering addict, clean 6+ years, I can tell you that insomnia after stopping alcohol or drugs is an issue.
Yes, although I was lucky enough that my sleep seemed reasonably normal after a month or two (and for many it is less). I was scared of sleeping medication (bizarrely, I've always been scared of sleeping medication even back when I thought it was normal to drink myself to sleep nightly -- no, I wouldn't have mixed them), and didn't want to risk messing up my sleep more, so I didn't take anything. I've since read a decent amount about the issue and how it can mess with recovery -- some people can't take not sleeping for days or barely sleeping and the desperation to sleep results in a relapse, so I'd probably advise anyone worried about the issue to seek help from a doctor or try something like melatonin, maybe.0 -
vanessaaorth717 wrote: »@WinoGelato Thank you! So appreciate hearing your story. I have been on MFP for 45 days now and have logged everything faithfully. I'm only on 1200 cal a day but it's working for me at this point in my 'journey'. Alcoholism runs in my family too and I believe it to be a genetic predisposition. I think I have made up my mind to at least try a month with no booze and evaluate from there. If I can be trusted to just drink one or two glasses after that, then great, but it's not worth it otherwise. Cheers!
Vanessa
Seems like a good idea with the fatty liver issue especially (isn't that a medical reason to avoid alcohol?).
I think it's quite possible to lose when drinking (I've done it, not healthfully and not in a way I'd recommend, but lots of people can include glass of wine or two on a regular basis), but I do think if you are worried about feeling out of control stopping for a while and then trying (if not medically contraindicated) truly moderate drinking isn't a bad idea. A good way to learn if you can moderate and were just falling into bad habits or if that's not going to work for you.0 -
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are my favorite.. I'm certainly not an alcoholic and can stop anytime.. However, I like WINE! some people like soda, and ice cream.. I like WINE. The only problem.. just like anything else it's the devil if I have any intention of losing weight and keeping it off. I just have to make sure I have in moderation .. maybe one night on the weekend.. If I drink wine every night well then I may as well eat ice cream and chocolate too. I hear you!!!!
The bottom line.. 80% food/calorie intake... 20% exercise.. Both must be controlled so In order to eat/drink calories.. you have to burn the calories too. It's a total nightmare.0 -
Like a number of comments above, mine is a glass of ice topped off with Chardonnay (only way I can drink it lol) and on a warm sunny weekend I can easily enjoy a frozen Mikes Hard black cherry... so yummy
O'Darby's (again ice cubed down) use to round off my top three, but I lost interest about a year ago.
Despite an evening habit of enjoying a glass with hubby (a rum/coke - beer drinker) and having a very active lifestyle my weight was on the low end for my 5'3' frame. I could easily attend a 2 hour Tae Kwon Do class and arrive home to have that glass of wine and even a smoke before heading off to bed - sad I know
Anyway, about 5 months into recovery from a serious injury I found MFP (joined beginning of March) while searching for rehabilitation ideas to gain muscle back and be Mobil again... Simply put, I already had a head start having gone all that time with no booze (rule follower on drinking and meds) and aware menopause was around the corner, I figured why not take advantage of the situation and start logging everything and I mean everything Having never counted calories etc before, this was all foreign to me.
Now I concentrate more on tracking my Macros along with strength training ~ back to jogging/biking etc, along with up to 20,000+ steps a day (not to shabby for someone told they wouldn't walk without crutches by years end
) I may still have a glass during the week, but really just wait for the weekend, and although it's been a beautiful warm summer I have seriously limited Mikes frozen evil goodness to one pouch (291 cal).
So, I'm in agreement with lemurcat12 and a few others... yes, if you want to continue it may be possible to lose ~ I can't really comment on the lack of sleep since I've always been a poor sleeper...
P.S. Anyone looking for an active buddy feel free to add me...
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I agree with WinoGelato. Your initial comment/question leaves it in doubt as to your goal. Ultimately, only you know if alcohol is problem for you but the fact you stated that no drop goes unfinished if in the house should tell you something. As to the weight and alcohol perspective, I can speak from experience in this department. The only way to lose weight is to under consume (calorically) your TDEE. If you do that you will lose weight regardless of where those calories came from, so in theory if your calories came only from wine so long as you under consumed your TDEE you would lose weight but that's more theory than reality. The problem with wine or a lot of alcohol is really multi fold depending on how you view it. We know that calories from any liquid beverage (including protein shakes for example) do not satiate appetite like real food does. This creates a situation regardless of what type of caloric drink we are talking about where you are intaking calories but not satisfying your appetite. Make that drink of an alcoholic nature and not only is this typically a higher caloric drink (per volume) but often it is high in sugar/carbs creating a situation where you will be more hungry hormonally and when you have the least amount of willpower (due to your buzz) to make good decisions. I too like to drink occasionally but I found in my weight loss journey limiting the days and type of alcohol (dry red wines or Bacardi and diet no beer). In my experience it really wasn't the calories from the alcohol that caused the problem it was dietary behavior due to the alcohol consumption. The same thing can be said of cookies too (a personal weakness of mine) the calories from them are relatively negligible but the subsequent hunger and ultimately more consumption of food is what did me in. In the end, if you can't under consume your caloric allotment because of the wine it will have to go if you want to lose weight but what works best for me was planning on partaking certain days and accepting that weight loss won't occur but doing the right thing 5 days a week. This really is the two steps forward one back approach but over time you will reach your goal.
Certainly agree. The wine is one thing but the mindless grazing and over consumption is probably even worse!!0 -
I've heard that alcoholism is a self diagnosed disease. If you think you have a problem, you have a problem. You are the only one who can make that diagnosis.0
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I quit drinking for 6 months and consequently lost about 10 pounds. Started drinking alcohol again recently put back on 10 pounds.
It's crazy How much A bottle of alcohol really contains. If you check the calories sugar etc. it really throws your budget off if you drink a whole bottle. I would say in my case it is impossible to continue drinking and lose weight at the same time1 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »As a recovering addict, clean 6+ years, I can tell you that insomnia after stopping alcohol or drugs is an issue.
Yes, although I was lucky enough that my sleep seemed reasonably normal after a month or two (and for many it is less). I was scared of sleeping medication (bizarrely, I've always been scared of sleeping medication even back when I thought it was normal to drink myself to sleep nightly -- no, I wouldn't have mixed them), and didn't want to risk messing up my sleep more, so I didn't take anything. I've since read a decent amount about the issue and how it can mess with recovery -- some people can't take not sleeping for days or barely sleeping and the desperation to sleep results in a relapse, so I'd probably advise anyone worried about the issue to seek help from a doctor or try something like melatonin, maybe.
I wasn't saying not to take it if needed. I was just saying be careful with it. I agree that Melatonin is great.0 -
I've heard that alcoholism is a self diagnosed disease. If you think you have a problem, you have a problem. You are the only one who can make that diagnosis.
so very true..... you did not cause it, cannot control it, and their is no cure for it. the person drinking HAS TO WANT HIT FOR HIM/HERSELF.1 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »As a recovering addict, clean 6+ years, I can tell you that insomnia after stopping alcohol or drugs is an issue.
Yes, although I was lucky enough that my sleep seemed reasonably normal after a month or two (and for many it is less). I was scared of sleeping medication (bizarrely, I've always been scared of sleeping medication even back when I thought it was normal to drink myself to sleep nightly -- no, I wouldn't have mixed them), and didn't want to risk messing up my sleep more, so I didn't take anything. I've since read a decent amount about the issue and how it can mess with recovery -- some people can't take not sleeping for days or barely sleeping and the desperation to sleep results in a relapse, so I'd probably advise anyone worried about the issue to seek help from a doctor or try something like melatonin, maybe.
I wasn't saying not to take it if needed. I was just saying be careful with it. I agree that Melatonin is great.
Oh, I didn't think you were. Just adding my own thoughts and how they've evolved over the years, since I would have been scared to take anything.0 -
I've heard that alcoholism is a self diagnosed disease. If you think you have a problem, you have a problem. You are the only one who can make that diagnosis.
Wholeheartedly disagree here. My mother is a hard core alcoholic, appears to have cirrhosis but is in denial about it, and thinks that the family comments about her drinking are our own problem. Her mother was a falling down, sleeping in her own vomit kind of alcoholic so in my mother's mind I believe that she feels she doesn't meet that "criteria" so therefore she does not have a problem. Sometimes, denial is one of the biggest problems, when it is obvious to everyone around you. My mother truly believes that she can stop drinking to drunkenness every night at any time she wishes, she just doesn't want to.
Throughout this topic I see people in denial. If you can't stop and have no self control, you have a problem. For me I behaved this way with food and I'm working through it. When I decided to start losing weight, I was addicted to soda and had at least two cans a day or more. I love the taste of Dr Pepper, and I still do! But... I committed to my weight loss goals and I cut it out cold turkey. I don't think I can ever phase it back in because I know it will creep back up to my old habit. For me, nothing but water, tea and black coffee until I reach my goal. If I had control issues with alcohol I would do the same thing!
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God trying being from Ireland where drinking is the national pastime lol
I feel now I in my 30s and2 kids later I have to reduce the wine intake
I'm losing nothing and lime that one glass can lead to the whole bottle
In my 20s I got away with the weekly binge
Now the vino has crept in and the bad habits that go with it means I've put up weight and am not losing.
My plan is to stop drinking at home and just gave it for going out and with 2 kids in only out occasionly1 -
well, I am proud of all of you who try. I LOVE MY WINE!........ LOVE MY WINE. enjoy my wine. and just work it off. WINE FOR ME!2
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@mairesile ; That's a good plan. Are you going to start ASAP? I started in August and I've had maybe 2 bottles of wine since then. Really amazed by how much easier it gets after the first few weeks. If I can do it ANYONE CAN! Like Ireland, Australia is very much a nation of drinkers and drinking too!1
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Australia has a really laid back drinking culture which makes it harder to give up/drink less when out with mates. Every chill out after work, bday get together, public holiday or celebration just about always involves a lot of alcohol, which is tough when you're restricting your calorie intake. When it comes to wine, I tend to find that I won't drink as much if I only buy expensive wines and log them before i drink. With things like box wines (Goon) people tend to over indulge and the calories are shocking, so unless I'm having a large party, i stick to expensive wine, 1 bottle a week, 1 glass after a meal. If i want to get drunk with friends I drink spirits in shots or mixed with sugar free soda or cordials as it ends up being less calories. My poison is probably absolut peach. I have a bottle I've been saving for halloween. I've estimated how much I will drink and I will make sure I have the calories to spare
As for alcoholism. I don't think there are a bunch of people here in denial XD. Unless you know their actual situation you can't really make that assumption as if it's fact, based on them saying they go over calories by consuming alcohol... just wow. If they've stated that it's affecting their life, relationships or income and If they're drinking more than a few times a week and more than 1-2 standard drinks then perhaps they should probably seek advice from a professional but they need to want to make that move.
Consuming too many calories doesn't automatically = addiction and cold turkey doesn't always fix the issue at heart. For some people they just need to educate themselves on basic nutrition which means trail and error.
Lastly demonizing where you get your calories from doesn't always fix the problem, in many cases people are just following a diet trend which is always a laugh. Going cold turkey on something probably isn't necessary with most things unless someone is actually an addict and this has been advised by a professional.
https://authoritynutrition.com/11-biggest-lies-of-mainstream-nutrition/ Here's an interesting read on myths/lies spread by demonizing foods. There are some good research links.
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@vanessaaorth717 no Friday wine last night and next night out is not til 30th of October although will be hard to resist if hubby comes home with a bottle
I'm fine if I could just stick to a glass1 -
@mairesile That's my issue too. The two bottles I had over the past few months were consumed one bottle at a time in single sittings! It's easier for me to just not have any. I liken it to opening a packet of chips or lollies. Realistically, you're not just going to have one and happily stop (well not me anyhow2
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Return2Fit wrote: »
I mostly gave up booze, beer and all other type alcohol.vanessaaorth717 wrote: »Soooo after a gain in pure lard of about 25kgs over a few years and many bottles of white wine, my journey to sobriety is beginning. So far I've cut back to weekends but Peter, Paul and Mary, if there's a bottle in my house, no drop will go unfinished. How do you 'control' your alcohol intake? What's your poison and do you think there's ANY chance of losing weight, exercising, calorie controlling AND drinking plenty?! Help!
I'll have a glass of wine with a nice meal, but that is it. We're talking once a month...
Booze to me represent empty, body killing calories, and you can now COUNT ME OUT of that tribe.
My health and fitness goals are more to me than the fleeting pleasures of junk foods, including booze...
I follow the same philosophy when it pertains to drinking. I may have one drink every 3 months but that is about it. I am probably much older than the author so I do not party like I did when I was in my college years.
Alcohol not only contributes to weight gain but it prevents one from getting a good night sleep, which is necessary to feel rested and energized.0 -
DietVanillaCoke wrote: »Australia has a really laid back drinking culture which makes it harder to give up/drink less when out with mates. Every chill out after work, bday get together, public holiday or celebration just about always involves a lot of alcohol, which is tough when you're restricting your calorie intake. When it comes to wine, I tend to find that I won't drink as much if I only buy expensive wines and log them before i drink. With things like box wines (Goon) people tend to over indulge and the calories are shocking, so unless I'm having a large party, i stick to expensive wine, 1 bottle a week, 1 glass after a meal. If i want to get drunk with friends I drink spirits in shots or mixed with sugar free soda or cordials as it ends up being less calories. My poison is probably absolut peach. I have a bottle I've been saving for halloween. I've estimated how much I will drink and I will make sure I have the calories to spare
As for alcoholism. I don't think there are a bunch of people here in denial XD. Unless you know their actual situation you can't really make that assumption as if it's fact, based on them saying they go over calories by consuming alcohol... just wow. If they've stated that it's affecting their life, relationships or income and If they're drinking more than a few times a week and more than 1-2 standard drinks then perhaps they should probably seek advice from a professional but they need to want to make that move.
Consuming too many calories doesn't automatically = addiction and cold turkey doesn't always fix the issue at heart. For some people they just need to educate themselves on basic nutrition which means trail and error.
Lastly demonizing where you get your calories from doesn't always fix the problem, in many cases people are just following a diet trend which is always a laugh. Going cold turkey on something probably isn't necessary with most things unless someone is actually an addict and this has been advised by a professional.
https://authoritynutrition.com/11-biggest-lies-of-mainstream-nutrition/ Here's an interesting read on myths/lies spread by demonizing foods. There are some good research links.
no one can diagnose an alcoholic, but self. you can think someone is or needs help, but they and they alone have to make that decision. straight from the BIG BOOK OF A.A. you did not cause it, can't cure it and absolutely can't control it. it is a cunning, powerful and baffling disease. i only speak what is true for me. i am a 10 year recovering alcoholic. J1 -
rcktgirl05 wrote: »I've heard that alcoholism is a self diagnosed disease. If you think you have a problem, you have a problem. You are the only one who can make that diagnosis.
Wholeheartedly disagree here. My mother is a hard core alcoholic, appears to have cirrhosis but is in denial about it, and thinks that the family comments about her drinking are our own problem. Her mother was a falling down, sleeping in her own vomit kind of alcoholic so in my mother's mind I believe that she feels she doesn't meet that "criteria" so therefore she does not have a problem. Sometimes, denial is one of the biggest problems, when it is obvious to everyone around you. My mother truly believes that she can stop drinking to drunkenness every night at any time she wishes, she just doesn't want to.
Throughout this topic I see people in denial. If you can't stop and have no self control, you have a problem. For me I behaved this way with food and I'm working through it. When I decided to start losing weight, I was addicted to soda and had at least two cans a day or more. I love the taste of Dr Pepper, and I still do! But... I committed to my weight loss goals and I cut it out cold turkey. I don't think I can ever phase it back in because I know it will creep back up to my old habit. For me, nothing but water, tea and black coffee until I reach my goal. If I had control issues with alcohol I would do the same thing!
if they are truly an alcoholic, they cannot just quit on their own. they may be able to quit for a few, but will start all over again, unless they seek help. doctors are no good, they have no answer no cure. the only option with a way to stay in remission daily, for me is AA. also you cannot tell an alcoholic anything, but if it comes from another alcoholic who knows their pain then it can have an impact. jmo jennifer 10 years sober thanks to AA, still daily.
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girl_inflames wrote: »Simply put - I don't control my alcohol intake. I just control my food more strictly when I drink. I'd rather have alcohol for dinner some nights than food, so that's what I do. lol
I can see the value of that proposal (lol!), but how did that work out for you 6 months later?
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Moderation. On vacation I gained 5lbs mostly from drinking. Now I limit it to outside of the house/special occasions. I feel you when you said alcohol inside the house will be drunk. I used to do that and am now focusing why I want alcohol instead. But if I want it and it fits my calories indulge a bit too. Also switched to drinking more tea/water/diet soda. If I want drink I drink 1 or 2 glasses those first. Usually its enough to get me to not drink. I'm also concerned about my health/looks and alcohol causes not only cancer but skin problems too.1
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I always abstain when I want to lose weight, typically in Jan and Feb. It helps every time, and I gain some mental clarity, which is great.
I am sure it's possible to lose weight while drinking daily, but I have a hard enough time controlling my eating as it is, throw in a bit of the juice and I'm half way gone!
Due to the way alcohol is metabolized in the liver, I would suggest that you drink only a fraction of your exercise calories in a particular day. This should keep it in check (presuming you can control it suffiently).
My suggestion is to find something that gives you pleasure to replace it with. A small square of dark chocolate does it for me (clearly, I'm easy to please). I hear some people really like bubble baths. Watching TV or reading could work. I wouldn't turn to other drugs for obvious reasons.
I find it helps to take a moment at bedtime to congratulate myself for whatever I've accomplished that day, including eating intentionally, abstaining, exercising, accomplishing goals, having good interpersonal interactions, whatever. Add to that some visualization in the morning (e.g., "I am going to eat intentionally, abstain, and go to the gym today") and your life can really change.0 -
Yep- same here..If the bottle is in the house, I'll have that glass or 2 with dinner that may or may not fit into my calories. Same as snacks fro me - can't keep them in the house. A serving or 2 when I'm out - but if it's in the house it will get eaten/drinken while relaxing in front of the TV. (Fortunately, I usually burn the calories off dancing if I drink while out...if I'm at a bar it's usually for swing, salsa, or tango).0
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I still have a glass or two 2-3 times a week, but I cannot drink as much as I could 70 lbs ago. And I suspect this will only get worse. So I have slowed down and will slow down further. I just enjoy it too much to give it up completely.
I mostly drink home made wine so I do drink from a box, so it isn't an issue that I opened a bottle and need to finish it.0
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