new here...worried about alcohol...any tips?

silver97rwa · August 2011

Ok, so I just found this site, but have been (actually) working on weight loss for a few months now. My major problem is that...well, I'm sort of an alcoholic. I mean, I'm completely functional, I have a great job, it doesn't mess with any of my relationships etc...its just that after I get home at night and finish exercising...I want to sit down and drink some beer. Originally I was EITHER having dinner OR drinking beer...figured I wouldn't be stuck with all the extra calories that way. But...for some reason, I find that I am actually hungry for dinner now (never used to be) and it is harder and harder to not do both. I know people will tell me to "quit drinking" but, seriously...it isn't that easy (just like weight loss isn't that easy) and I am wondering if there is some sort of compromise...like...if I eat dinner but exercise twice as long and use those calories to drink? I know it is kind of pathetic to be worried about how I'm going to get my alcohol fix...and I would like to cut back on my alcohol consumption (would save me a lot of money) but it is something I have to ease myself into....so...any suggestions? I can't be the only person who has had to deal with this....

mrmanmeat · August 2011

Quit cold turkey.

Saying you can't is weak. Be strong.

melaniecheeks · August 2011

I totally understand!

I came up with a plan to reduce my alcohol intake: I try to have 2 days a week where I don't drink at all, 2 days where I don't drink before 9 pm, and...well, I'm still working on the other 3 days!

Take it one step at a time. Maybe start with one day where you don't drink before a certain time, or only have 1 beer . And then a week or so later, add another goal. Etc.

sgrinavi · August 2011

Alcohol is really bad for your program, it dehydrates you and adds tons of useless calories. Do what you want, but know that your success will be hindered directly by the brew.

Try to limit your consumption to a couple days a month....

EuroDriver · August 2011

agreed.. quit cold turkey... only way u will do it.. first couple weeks will be strong but ull have to show ur self-discipline if u got some... n once u start seeing a change on ur body it will become easy because u dont want to mess it all up

SkateboardFi · August 2011

yep, i agree with these guys, this is how i quit smoking

digitalsinner · August 2011

I've found the answer is, if you just can't moderate, then simply don't do it. That's the answer and it's not as hard as you think.

Just stop.

janetbefit · August 2011

I can sympathize with your situation. I too have a great enjoyment of a couple glasses of red wine each evening. I have tried cutting them out but know that as soon as get back to my goal, that I will add them back. You must do to lose weight what you are willing to do to KEEP IT OFF. Therefore, my advice is to reduce the amount you are having. If you are drinking 3 right now, go down to 2 for a while then down to 1. Perhaps you can change the brand to one you don't like as much or give yourself a goal that you can't have any if you don't exercise 10 min longer or something.

The key is to move toward a positive end and not beat yourself up. We all have our issues. We just have to learn to look at them as challenges.

God Bless,
Janet

shellybarbal · August 2011

Quitting cold turkey when you are an alcoholic is not wise - the withdrawal could be life threatening. You should taper off. Make a commitment to drink a little less each day until you are not drinking anymore.

helenoftroy1 · August 2011

I used to work 80-90 hours a week and when I got home I'd drink 1//2 a bottle to a bottle of red wine a night, nearer the bottle. Then it stopped working effectively and I started opening a new one. I found it helped me sleep and cope with work better.
What I didn't realised I was slowly gaining a dependence on it. I couldn't remember the last time I didn't have alcohol. Then I went to the doctors and she was worried about me. I ended up going to a mates for the weekend, got totally smashed ate *kitten* and was generally my usual super stressed self. The thing was they weren't joining me in the "frivolities". After some soul searching etc I quit my job, started MFP and realised what I had become.
I have just done 13 days with no alcohol. It was a personal best. 13 days a personal best??? I love red wine, I love the taste, the smell and the way it makes me feel. I hate that I need it to feel that way. I've started cutting it out gradually by saving it for certain days and over the week making it fit in with my calories (500 cals a bottle, no wonder I was fat). Now I'm finally at a stage where I save it for one night a week if that and I get my "hit" if you like quicker, and I don't feel dependant. It's a scary slope and I hope nobody judges this post as I have pretty much laid myself bare.
Good luck and just be sober enough to know when to stop ha ha.

JennyJH · August 2011

I used to drink most evenings. The first thing I did - before even looking at my calorie intake - was to quit drinking. And aside from quitting smoking, it was probably the best thing I did.

I now do have the occational, social drink. Had a fair few on holiday!! But I don't have it every day, don't have it to wind down or as stress relief.

It wasn't easy and there are times I'd love to have a drink - I had a LOT of stress recently - but I want to be fit and healthy more than I want a drink.

AshinAms · August 2011

My mother was like this when I was growing up. She was always on one weight loss plan or another and always chose to drink rather than eat while she was on those plans. She used to have a 'few' drinks every day and there was nothing wrong with that, but she became a full blown alcoholic 10 years later without a functional relationship, job or family.

In my opinion if you have to choose between eating and drinking and prefer to drink then you have more of a problem than you think and it would be wise to seek help while you still can.

Alcohol and healthy living are very unhappy bedfellows.

christineanne8 · August 2011

Just switch to lighter beers or liquor with calorie-free mixers. Bud Select 55, MGD 64, Mich Ultra.. or 1 oz. of patron with sugar-free margarita mix is only 70-75 calories. Or just cut down consumption. Everything in moderation seems to work for me.

PanteraGirl · August 2011

ooohhhh silver...... i know how you feel sssoooooo much! Especially in the summer when a cold beer is at its best or in the winter where a couple of glasses of red wine warms you up just nice!!!!

I have had the same problem....I eased off drinking on the weeknights and save it for the weekends...You will drop weight, save money and be much healthier.

Once you put your mind to ease off it will get much easier....the way I started was if there was a couple left over from the weekend...I would make them last through the week.....if it meant I get one beer a day...so be it...or if I had to spread it out to have one every other day....that's what I did and didn't go to the store......it's all about limitations......you have to start somewhere. Eventually you won't drink on weeknights anymore with no problems.

I currently have two cases of beer in my kitchen and some in the fridge my brother left when he stayed over on the weekend....and I haven't drank them up. Only had a couple on Wednesday cuz I was at my neighbors watching the biggest storm outside I have every seen! But that s it. Don't drink during the weekdays anymore unless I have a beer or two cuz company is over...but that isn't often at all. Company usually comes on the weekend.

Good luck....it can be done....I'm living healthier proof of it....and so is my boyfriend.....he would drink 7-8 beers a night plus more on the weekend....and he is doing the same thing I'm doing.....and we are doing great! No weekdays, and a little on the weekend!

Good luck to you....I hope this helps!!! Trust me!!!! I know how you feel!

TankGirl71 · August 2011

Try this: go 24 hours without drinking ANY alcohol. Thoughtfully and honestly assess your emotions while you're doing this. If you find yourself freaking out, then you are not "functional." Hopefully at some point, the buzz you get from exercise will replace the buzz you get from alcohol. As you get healthier hopefully you won't want the poison anymore.

helenoftroy1 · August 2011

I don't make a habit of opposing someone's view without really trying to see their side, but I do think this post is a little... unforgiving and simple.
A lot of people on here are overweight. If it was just as simple as moderation then this site wouldn't be as successful as it was.
A lot of people smoke, do drugs, overeat, undereat, have OCD etc. I don't think the "just stop" method works. I'm sorry to offend, it's just I think a lot of people in this world do drink alcohol and don't think it is a problem and there is a lot of grey area and it takes a lot to stand up and say hey I think I may be drinking too much.

smithskiman06 · August 2011

This is HUGE. I come from a family riddled with functioning alcoholics on both sides of my family. In my late teens I realized that not using alcohol to relieve stress, make me happy, or to deal with a problem is what seperates alcoholics and casual drinkers.

I also really believe that most people are habitual and when you make alcohol apart of your daily life and rely on it to make a complete day it will be MUCH harder to not drink.

Take it out of the "normal" day and don't use it as a pick me up or to deal with something

katie_rn · August 2011

Janet has a good idea too about switching to a brand you dont like as much at the house so the whole thing is not as tempting or enjoyable. Maybe nonalcoholic beer to supplement weaning off, but then it really is just lots of empty calories. But if you can quit that would be ideal, especially if you were to the point of eating donner OR drinking, thats not good. I also like a glass of wine with dinner but the key is that i like one glass, and not even regularly, its not a must or a routine. Try a support group if you find you can't do without beer at night. The empty calories is my biggest deterrent for any alcohol. Good luck!

Emeraude1983 · August 2011

I tend to agree with gradually reducing your consumption until it becomes more manageable for you.

But what about also giving yourself a financial incentive. Something like the swear jar concept. We've all seen it; for every curse you put a dollor in a swear jar... What about doing the same thing for the amount of beer you drink? For every bottle you drink you could put a buck or two or five (whatever) in a jar or give it to someone you trust if you don't trust yourself not to spend the money. You can make drinking just simply too expensive and at the end of the month could use the saved up money to pay for a fitness program you've always wanted to take, or a hobby that keeps you active and out of the house where you won't be tempted to drink so much. Just an idea.

heley33 · August 2011

Coltsman4ever · August 2011

This is the most insightful reply to this entire thread. I hope she recognizes it.
She should absolutely seek help for her disease.

heley33 · August 2011

I had the same problems, just loved the beer, have now changed to rose wine and this seems to help although I do have a few slip ups.

HersheyTeeJay · August 2011

First of all it is a positive thing that you recognize the fact that you do have a drinking problem by stating that you are "sort of an alcoholic". Cudos to you! I immediately want to suggest a support group.

I understand your situation, as you sound just like what I used to do. I used to come home from work and have a cocktail, or two, or three, etc. Then started drinking beer. This went on for several years, and I gradually packed on the pounds. I know you don't want to hear this, but you need to stop drinking, or cut back severely. When I stopped drinking alcohol I immediately lost 8 pounds. And I do feel better. I will drink a beer or two maybe twice a month now. And you know what? I don't miss it. (I used to be married to an alcoholic, and when I left him, that's when I stopped drinking.)

I think the first question to ask yourselft is, "Why do I drink?" Is it really that important to you? I think there are always underlying reasons why a person drinks. Do you drink alone or with someone?

Find something to do to replace your drinking time. Reach for water instead of beer after exercising; it's much better for you. Find a hobby or projec to work on. I know that is easier said than done, but I've been there, done that. I started by going to the gym after work. I was working out instead of going home to a cocktail. It wasn't easy, but gradually, over time, my habits changed. And I am so greatful that I managed to change. I feel better, and feel better about myself.

I used to think the same things that you do. Any time I wanted to diet, I would find a way to work in my alcohol fix. Alcohol has a lot of sugar/calories.

If you can't just stop, then cut back to two drinks on the weekend and see how that goes for you.

Good luck to you with this.

Jetjedi · August 2011

I enjoy a couple of beers a night regularly as long as I haven't gone over my set calorie limit. I'm a big beer fanatic and even brew my own occasionally. I don't drink to get drunk, i just like the taste but can go without by choice.

That said, I can maintain my weight just fine with drinking alcohol. I stay hydrated with plain water throughout the day, about 12 glasses. I consume a minimum of one gram of protein per pound, and I do high intensity anaerobic drills 3 x week. At the end as long as I'm burning more calories than I'm consuming I still manage.

Angelabec · August 2011

Wow, it seems to me that there are a lot of people on here with exceptionally strong willpower (and absolutely no empathy!) Makes me wonder how they ever ended up needing to join a weight loss site in the first place.

So, back in the real world where 'just quitting' isnt an option (otherwise we'd all be living on fresh fruit & veg, lean meat, drinking water, and be happy with our skinny *kitten*!) I would suggest gradual cutting back. I used to drink a bottle or more of wine a night, I am now at the stage where I don't have a drink at all Monday to Thursday, but I still drink more than I should at the weekends, for which I do extra exercise to give me the calories. However, what I am finding is that I feel the need less and less as time goes on. I also need to drink less to get the same effect. So really, you just need to decide on a strategy that works for you, whether it's cutting it our for one night a week, then two and so on, or cutting it back per night until you only have one, and then none, and so on.

If you would like a friend to help you work through this, please feel free to add me.

cedarhurst2006 · August 2011

I would suggest taper and then just quit . I haven't had a drink in over a year and I quit cold turkey. If you are worried about alcohol, then you should stop. Keep yourself busy and if there is a particular time that you are more vulnerable, head to the gym or an activity to break the routine.

2Bgoddess · August 2011

or, each time you DON'T have a drink you wanted, throw a buck or two in the jar. at the end of a month, it gives you a sense of accomplishment for showing some control, and you can reward yourself with something special with the money. (not beer though! lol)

SirBen81 · August 2011

Obviously not drinking is best; I think the OP already realizes that. What he's looking for is an alternative.

You can still drink and lose fat, gain muscle, and be fit. Even if you drink more than the average person.

Here's how I handle it, and it works well for me:

I only drink hard liquer(no beer, lite beer, or wine), and I mix it with a tall glass of diet soda. Diet sodas are 99% water. For example, when I go out with friends and they all order margaritas, martinis, beer, I PASS on all of that junk. Instead I get a single shot of Jack Daniels and Diet Coke in a TALL glass. The tall glass does two things: It makes the drink last longer, and it provides my body with more water to better counter the dehydrating effects of the alchohol. I my mind I say to myself, "I will sip this drink at a rate that makes it last 30 mins." That takes a little control, but it's not too difficult.

Hard liquer has no fat, no carbs, no protein, no nutritional content, but it does have calories. These calories must be included when you do your daily calorie count. Each drink will only be about 70-100 calories though, so that's not too bad.

Also, I eat a healthy meal before I go out drinking so I don't get hungry while drinking and order a plate of nachos or something.

If you don't want to quit drinking this may be a viable option. It has been for me.

bcattoes · August 2011

The fact that you call yourself an alcoholic and say you can't stop is worrisome and for that reason I think you should make every effort to quit. It is completely possible to drink and be healthy, but your post sounds like you need to at least take a break from alcohol and see how it goes. If you still want it, but don't "need" it you may be able to add it back. In moderation of course.

helenoftroy1 · August 2011

Like!!!! Would anyone be interested in a support group on here, make each of us a little more accountable for what and how much we drink? Or is it still a little taboo for people? I know I could certainly do with a whoop whoop from fellow wine lovers when I've gone a week without a drop!

garlic7girl · August 2011

I strongly encourage stress management! Alcohol is not bad but how we can DEPEND on it and see the effects on us. Only you can see and be honest with yourself the detrimental effects it has had on your health and lifestyle and coping.
Perhaps talk with your physician if you trust him/her.

new here...worried about alcohol...any tips?

Replies

Categories