5000 calories a week on wine!
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Mandy72CM
Posts: 59 Member
This is shocking as I write this. I have previously posted that I’m going to drink less etc but my daily habit of a bottle of wine and more at the weekend even shocks myself to the amount of calories that’s in it. I exercise daily, I eat relatively healthy, though not all the time. I have 14lbs to lose and I work my calories around my wine which is sad. It’s impossible as I’m always hungry as I put wine first rather than food and I need to more than anything drink less it’s not healthy and I’ll never achieve the body I want or mind set continuing like this. It’s not right and I know it. 🥺
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Replies
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Sounds like it might be a good idea to cut out the wine entirely.15
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Since some of the pleasure of consuming wine is the opening of a new bottle and the subtle differences in flavor among wines, how about starting slowly by substituting a bottle of a good still or sparkling water one or two nights a week to start. I like Gerolsteiner, which has a very distinctive taste. They also have the advantage while being expensive waters of being cheaper than wine.
When buying flavored sparkling waters and seltzers, look for unsweetened ones like Polar, Poland Springs, LaCroix, etc. My current beverage of choice is Soda Stream CO2-ed tap water with a squit of either Realime or Realemon. For me, the little squeeze bottles of these citrus juices are handier than slices/wedges of real fruits and taste better than the bottled soda stream flavors. (If I weren't so lazy, I'd squeeze actual fruit wedges but that means getting up and going to the kitchen. LOL)9 -
Your not alone! Although I don’t drink wine
During lockdown due to the anxiety and stress of it all, I have put on weight due to drinking ciders.330 calories per bottle!! And this is why I’m here
You can however have beer or wine in your calorie deficit just not a whole 2-3 bottles hehehe xx3 -
OP, that is an honest and insightful post. I really appreciate where you are coming from, as it is so, so easy for me to drink more than I intended also. You are right, it is a lot of calories. A lot of it is just habitual; I agree with HeidiCooks that AF substitutes can be satisfying and really helpful for slightly shifting those habits. Another part of it is alcohol is just addictive -- not saying you are addicted, just that the substance acts on human brains in a way that tends to make us want more. You can't change that part so you just have to be aware of it. It's why it is easier for some people to cut out entirely than to moderate. You'll have to experiment to see what works for you. You will definitely feel better when you're eating more and drinking less!
Check out "This Naked Mind" and "The Alcohol Experiment" for different ways of thinking about alcohol.8 -
OP, that is an honest and insightful post. I really appreciate where you are coming from, as it is so, so easy for me to drink more than I intended also. You are right, it is a lot of calories. A lot of it is just habitual; I agree with HeidiCooks that AF substitutes can be satisfying and really helpful for slightly shifting those habits. Another part of it is alcohol is just addictive -- not saying you are addicted, just that the substance acts on human brains in a way that tends to make us want more. You can't change that part so you just have to be aware of it. It's why it is easier for some people to cut out entirely than to moderate. You'll have to experiment to see what works for you. You will definitely feel better when you're eating more and drinking less!
Check out "This Naked Mind" and "The Alcohol Experiment" for different ways of thinking about alcohol.
Funny enough I have just ordered both these books today after reading a post on LMOD .3 -
I agree with @ahoy_m8 . Alcohol can be a killer in calories and to life. I lost my father to the bottle in 2005. I almost completely abstain from alcohol these days. That's coming from a place of being an ex- home brewer. I suggest that like some foods, there are some of us who might do well abstaining from alcohol. You just have to know yourself. I would rather not risk it. Anyways, best wishes ma'am......8
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OP, that is an honest and insightful post. I really appreciate where you are coming from, as it is so, so easy for me to drink more than I intended also. You are right, it is a lot of calories. A lot of it is just habitual; I agree with HeidiCooks that AF substitutes can be satisfying and really helpful for slightly shifting those habits. Another part of it is alcohol is just addictive -- not saying you are addicted, just that the substance acts on human brains in a way that tends to make us want more. You can't change that part so you just have to be aware of it. It's why it is easier for some people to cut out entirely than to moderate. You'll have to experiment to see what works for you. You will definitely feel better when you're eating more and drinking less!
Check out "This Naked Mind" and "The Alcohol Experiment" for different ways of thinking about alcohol.
Funny enough I have just ordered both these books today after reading a post on LMOD .
Nancy Grace (This Naked Mind) also has a good podcast you might like. They're short and insightful.1 -
I know you probably know this, but I’m gonna say it out loud anyway: screw the calories, the amount of alcohol is a bigger risk for your health than the calories. One bottle of wine is 6 servings, and the local health officials (Finland, other countries probably have similar definitions) define ”alarmingly high risk” as 5-6 servings per day or 12-16 servings per week for women. You’re drinking more than the risk limit every single day and pretty much tripling over the weekly risk limit.
I also know most of us are here to lose weight. You mention you have 14lbs to lose. I’m still going to be honest and suggest that you prioritise and work on quitting drinking first, even if it means you gain some extra weight from overeating to deal with craving wine. Based on the amount of alcohol and the amount of weight to lose, quitting drinking is much more important health-wise.
One of my friends is a pretty functional college student and worked as a substitute teacher. He was also an alcoholic and ended up in drunken delirium and sent to rehab after being hospitalized for hallucinations. He’s fine now and just hit day 400 of sobriety. The point of mentioning him is, you don’t need to be violent, incoherent or lose contol of your life to have a serious alcohol problem (I think he drank about the same amount as you). He was perfectly functional and polite, but it got so bad he started hallucinating and had to call an ambulance.
I agree with Heidi and others about substitutions to kick the addictive substance first without having to try to break the habit at the same time. The now-sober friend switched to alcohol-free beers. A colleague recently quit smoking and switched to lollipops. Strong, determined, small steps forward are the way to go.
There is zero judgement here, just concern.20 -
I went through several years of drinking half a bottle of wine a night. It was my preferred way to relax. I cut down gradually; it was hard. But I couldn’t fit it in and lose weight and I really wanted to lose the weight more than I wanted the wine.
I don’t miss it now but I did terribly at first. I still have a glass or 2 every week5 -
I know you probably know this, but I’m gonna say it out loud anyway: screw the calories, the amount of alcohol is a bigger risk for your health than the calories. One bottle of wine is 6 servings, and the local health officials (Finland, other countries probably have similar definitions) define ”alarmingly high risk” as 5-6 servings per day or 12-16 servings per week for women. You’re drinking more than the risk limit every single day and pretty much tripling over the weekly risk limit.
I also know most of us are here to lose weight. You mention you have 14lbs to lose. I’m still going to be honest and suggest that you prioritise and work on quitting drinking first, even if it means you gain some extra weight from overeating to deal with craving wine. Based on the amount of alcohol and the amount of weight to lose, quitting drinking is much more important health-wise.
One of my friends is a pretty functional college student and worked as a substitute teacher. He was also an alcoholic and ended up in drunken delirium and sent to rehab after being hospitalized for hallucinations. He’s fine now and just hit day 400 of sobriety. The point of mentioning him is, you don’t need to be violent, incoherent or lose contol of your life to have a serious alcohol problem (I think he drank about the same amount as you). He was perfectly functional and polite, but it got so bad he started hallucinating and had to call an ambulance.
I agree with Heidi and others about substitutions to kick the addictive substance first without having to try to break the habit at the same time. The now-sober friend switched to alcohol-free beers. A colleague recently quit smoking and switched to lollipops. Strong, determined, small steps forward are the way to go.
There is zero judgement here, just concern.
I really agree with this. And in a totally non judgemental way. I'm fully aware that I have an addictive personality so I regularly take a month off of something if it's feeling like a crutch - coffee, alcohol, chocolate... So I'm no better than anyone. My parents have a lot of friends who are bottle a night 2 at the weekend drinkers and I can so see how it builds up slowly. Their friends who are drinkers - quite a few are now really poorly.7 -
Thanks for your concern however I want to point out there is a difference between needing a drink and drinking. I suspect you’re friend was drinking a lot more than what they said if they were hallucinating. I never hallucinate or have a hangover so please don’t confuse me with someone that may have an alcohol problem. Drinking is part of my culture and it’s only the calories that bother me nothing else. If I woke up wanting to drink that’s a different matter but for me it’s all about the calories.4
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I’m not saying you do absolutely have a problem but you have way over simplified addiction and what being an alcoholic is. Just because you don’t wake up every morning a want a drink doesn’t mean this isn’t a problem. Just because you don’t hallucinate doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. Not having a hangover doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem. A bottle of wine daily is bad for your health, regardless of calories or your weight.17
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Thanks for your concern however I want to point out there is a difference between needing a drink and drinking. I suspect you’re friend was drinking a lot more than what they said if they were hallucinating. I never hallucinate or have a hangover so please don’t confuse me with someone that may have an alcohol problem. Drinking is part of my culture and it’s only the calories that bother me nothing else. If I woke up wanting to drink that’s a different matter but for me it’s all about the calories.
Yes, there’s a difference between feeling like needing a drink and drinking. It’s still the same amount of alcohol. My friend never actually said how much he was drinking, that amount is what I’ve come to understand it was. He wasn’t hallucinating either, until one day he was. That was the day he needed an ambulance and was sent to rehab. He also said the exact things you are saying now about never having a hangover, not having a problem and drinking being part of his culture and not a problem. I obviously don’t know you personally and I’m not your healthcare professional so I can’t diagnose problems, I’m just stating that the amount of alcohol you drink is very alarming and in general tends to cause health problems.
I get it, it’s hard to hear it and face the facts, especially if you don’t feel like it’s a problem. You know the numbers: 5000 calories per week, tripling over high risk limits, and 7+ bottles per week probably cost money too. Nobody but you can make this decision and if you don’t want to, it’s your life and your right to enjoy it as you see fit. I’m still going to suggest taking a break (like a week or two) from the wine and see how it makes you feel (and what it does to your weight loss goals and eating). I wish you all the best and hope you reach your goals, whether they include continuing with the wine or not.11 -
I agree with a lot of what's been written above by @hipari, @Shortgirlrunning and others. And it sounds like you're starting to address the role alcohol has in your life and think about cutting down. It'd be great if you can manage this using some of the many sources of non-professional support/inspiration out there, but if not, I'd strongly encourage you to have a chat with your doctor. I doubt you want more scare stories, but the calories are a relatively very minor part of the long term burden you're putting on your body with that level of intake. Sending you loads of virtual hugs and good wishes.7
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Thanks for your concern however I want to point out there is a difference between needing a drink and drinking. I suspect you’re friend was drinking a lot more than what they said if they were hallucinating. I never hallucinate or have a hangover so please don’t confuse me with someone that may have an alcohol problem. Drinking is part of my culture and it’s only the calories that bother me nothing else. If I woke up wanting to drink that’s a different matter but for me it’s all about the calories.
Yes, there’s a difference between feeling like needing a drink and drinking. It’s still the same amount of alcohol. My friend never actually said how much he was drinking, that amount is what I’ve come to understand it was. He wasn’t hallucinating either, until one day he was. That was the day he needed an ambulance and was sent to rehab. He also said the exact things you are saying now about never having a hangover, not having a problem and drinking being part of his culture and not a problem. I obviously don’t know you personally and I’m not your healthcare professional so I can’t diagnose problems, I’m just stating that the amount of alcohol you drink is very alarming and in general tends to cause health problems.
I get it, it’s hard to hear it and face the facts, especially if you don’t feel like it’s a problem. You know the numbers: 5000 calories per week, tripling over high risk limits, and 7+ bottles per week probably cost money too. Nobody but you can make this decision and if you don’t want to, it’s your life and your right to enjoy it as you see fit. I’m still going to suggest taking a break (like a week or two) from the wine and see how it makes you feel (and what it does to your weight loss goals and eating). I wish you all the best and hope you reach your goals, whether they include continuing with the wine or not.
Can I tell you that the experts say that a bottle of wine a day is not an issue?Does that surprise you? I’m sorry about your friend but you seem to be comparing me with him/her. As I said it’s all about calories so please don’t preach. I realise in myself that I want to lose 14lbs and it’s the wine stopping me. I’m going to cut down as I put alot of effort into training. Thanks again for your concern.2 -
Thanks for your concern however I want to point out there is a difference between needing a drink and drinking. I suspect you’re friend was drinking a lot more than what they said if they were hallucinating. I never hallucinate or have a hangover so please don’t confuse me with someone that may have an alcohol problem. Drinking is part of my culture and it’s only the calories that bother me nothing else. If I woke up wanting to drink that’s a different matter but for me it’s all about the calories.
Your liver still has to process the bottle of wine every day whether you are addicted or not. Not to mention the effect of your sleep and diet. Believe me, I’ve been through the bottle a day route myself. Coming to terms with the ultimate physical effects whether or not I’m experiencing any yet is what has helped me cut back. That and my best friend from high school dying from alcoholism last year at 61. Take care!12 -
fairy_daisy wrote: »I agree with a lot of what's been written above by @hipari, @Shortgirlrunning and others. And it sounds like you're starting to address the role alcohol has in your life and think about cutting down. It'd be great if you can manage this using some of the many sources of non-professional support/inspiration out there, but if not, I'd strongly encourage you to have a chat with your doctor. I doubt you want more scare stories, but the calories are a relatively very minor part of the long term burden you're putting on your body with that level of intake. Sending you loads of virtual hugs and good wishes.
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Can I also add that god forbid anyone asking about losing weight. Would you tell them to see a doctor if they were eating too much? Would you ask them to seek help if they were many stones/pounds overweight? Would you tell them they have an addictive person personality ? No you wouldn’t! But because Iv mentioned wine it gives you the right? I wish I said I ate 5000 calories of doughnuts as I would hav probably had more support!2
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Thanks for your concern however I want to point out there is a difference between needing a drink and drinking. I suspect you’re friend was drinking a lot more than what they said if they were hallucinating. I never hallucinate or have a hangover so please don’t confuse me with someone that may have an alcohol problem. Drinking is part of my culture and it’s only the calories that bother me nothing else. If I woke up wanting to drink that’s a different matter but for me it’s all about the calories.
Yes, there’s a difference between feeling like needing a drink and drinking. It’s still the same amount of alcohol. My friend never actually said how much he was drinking, that amount is what I’ve come to understand it was. He wasn’t hallucinating either, until one day he was. That was the day he needed an ambulance and was sent to rehab. He also said the exact things you are saying now about never having a hangover, not having a problem and drinking being part of his culture and not a problem. I obviously don’t know you personally and I’m not your healthcare professional so I can’t diagnose problems, I’m just stating that the amount of alcohol you drink is very alarming and in general tends to cause health problems.
I get it, it’s hard to hear it and face the facts, especially if you don’t feel like it’s a problem. You know the numbers: 5000 calories per week, tripling over high risk limits, and 7+ bottles per week probably cost money too. Nobody but you can make this decision and if you don’t want to, it’s your life and your right to enjoy it as you see fit. I’m still going to suggest taking a break (like a week or two) from the wine and see how it makes you feel (and what it does to your weight loss goals and eating). I wish you all the best and hope you reach your goals, whether they include continuing with the wine or not.
Can I tell you that the experts say that a bottle of wine a day is not an issue?Does that surprise you? I’m sorry about your friend but you seem to be comparing me with him/her. As I said it’s all about calories so please don’t preach. I realise in myself that I want to lose 14lbs and it’s the wine stopping me. I’m going to cut down as I put alot of effort into training. Thanks again for your concern.
Yes, you can tell me. I’d like to hear which experts and see science-based source material. As a fellow wine lover, I do occasionally down a bottle of wine in one day, I’m no saint. Seeing research on the matter would be quite interesting, although it’s going take a lot of evidence to make me change my mind over the consensus I’ve seen from healthcare officials for years.
I don’t think any of us (at least not me) have a negative opinion of you, or even of wine. This community just happens to advocate healthy habits, balance and moderation, and a bottle every day falls outside of all those things.9 -
Can I also add that god forbid anyone asking about losing weight. Would you tell them to see a doctor if they were eating too much? Would you ask them to seek help if they were many stones/pounds overweight? Would you tell them they have an addictive person personality ? No you wouldn’t! But because Iv mentioned wine it gives you the right? I wish I said I ate 5000 calories of doughnuts as I would hav probably had more support!
I’ve been on the forums almost daily for a couple of months now. Empirically, the most frequent advice given here is
1. Use a food scale to log accurately
2. Stop worrying about daily fluctuations or expecting immediate results
3. See a doctor
So no, advising people to see a doctor is not exclusive to this thread. It’s very common because people seek help for all kinds of medical issues (consciously or not realizing there is an issue), and it would be irresponsible to play internet doctor for strangers instead of guiding them towards professional diagnosis, care and treatment.10
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