5000 calories a week on wine!
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 -
Oh for goodness sake it’s it’s exactly this and other negative options that makes me wish I never posted this to begin with. I find it very insulting you are asking me to seek help and or speak to a doctor. It’s patronising ! All you and others have done is want me to leave MFP with your your tight ars*d point of views. It is about calories. It’s exactly this why I wish I never mentioned it.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 -
After drinking wine most days for around 20 years, I found it easier and easier to get through a bottle without feeling the effects (Where did that wine go? Evaporation?). However, it was starting to effect my sleep -waking up hot at about 2am and taking ages to get back to sleep.
So after finding out a friend of mine was planning to to dry July, I suggested we do June instead because it is shorter.
Here is what I have found after 4 weeks of no drinking...
- My resting heart rate has gone from 65-67 to 55. It stays between 50 and 55 all night and I don't wake up hot.
- I have had to stop drinking so much tea and water in the evening (to avoid a hangover the next day). I'm not dehydrated any more.
- The first week was pretty hard. I have always looked forward to that glass (or 4) of wine while cooking dinner. Once I am drinking a glass of soda water with lime juice, I managed to forget about the wine.
- After dinner, I am ALWAYS glad that I haven't have had any wine.
- I am 4 kg down! It is so much easier to still to stick a calorie budget (around 1350 per day) without trying to squeeze in 2 or three glasses of wine.
- I don't get the majorly urgent hungry times. I still get hungry, but it seems to be a gently hunger that half an apple or carrot will deal with. Alcohol messes up blood sugars!
I thought I would do this for just a month, but now I am contemplating keeping it going until I get back to the healthy weight range - about 8kg away.
About 10 years ago I did successfully lose 10kg or so while having only 2 glasses of wine everyday, but I haven't seemed to be able to do that since then.
Good Luck!15 -
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.
Aside from the weight loss and potential addiction issues, a volume of alcohol more than 1 to 2 drinks per day results in a much higher risk for breast cancer. Alcohol use increases risk of cancer in both genders but it is more pronounced in women. Cutting back overall is a very good idea.
This particular point is one very close to my heart as I lost my 35 year old daughter to breast cancer a little more than a year ago. I wouldn't say she had an alcohol addiction. But she ran in crowd of drinkers and worked in bars for years while building a career as a musician and recording artist. She was diagnosed just as her career was taking off and we lost her a month after the release of her 2nd album. She stopped drinking for the last year plus of her life and cut back drastically before that.
But, it was too late. The various factors that started the cancer were aggressive and they took her life less than 4 years after she was first diagnosed.
But don't take my word for it. Do the research. You'll see for yourself. I wouldn't want to see what happened to my daughter and my family happen to anyone.18 -
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.
Absolutely. The advice given on this thread seems very in keeping with the usual advice on the forum. Try replacing it with something else, try cutting down, if you find it hard to cut down you might want to cut it out entirely, if you can't manage to do it alone seek professional support. It's all out there on different threads. The advice you've been given is supportive.
I know this will just get the disagree button and you'll ignore it but growing up with an alcoholic dad I can't help it - I'd suggest that your reaction to people's advice is indicative of it being a problem. If you don't need to drink then try not drinking for a week and see how you feel. If you find that hard it might be worth having a long hard think.13 -
janetdebeer90 wrote: »After drinking wine most days for around 20 years, I found it easier and easier to get through a bottle without feeling the effects (Where did that wine go? Evaporation?). However, it was starting to effect my sleep -waking up hot at about 2am and taking ages to get back to sleep.
So after finding out a friend of mine was planning to to dry July, I suggested we do June instead because it is shorter.
Here is what I have found after 4 weeks of no drinking...
- My resting heart rate has gone from 65-67 to 55. It stays between 50 and 55 all night and I don't wake up hot.
- I have had to stop drinking so much tea and water in the evening (to avoid a hangover the next day). I'm not dehydrated any more.
- The first week was pretty hard. I have always looked forward to that glass (or 4) of wine while cooking dinner. Once I am drinking a glass of soda water with lime juice, I managed to forget about the wine.
- After dinner, I am ALWAYS glad that I haven't have had any wine.
- I am 4 kg down! It is so much easier to still to stick a calorie budget (around 1350 per day) without trying to squeeze in 2 or three glasses of wine.
- I don't get the majorly urgent hungry times. I still get hungry, but it seems to be a gently hunger that half an apple or carrot will deal with. Alcohol messes up blood sugars!
I thought I would do this for just a month, but now I am contemplating keeping it going until I get back to the healthy weight range - about 8kg away.
About 10 years ago I did successfully lose 10kg or so while having only 2 glasses of wine everyday, but I haven't seemed to be able to do that since then.
Good Luck!
Dont forget the amount of money you saved from not buying wine that you now have for new clothes!5 -
To answer your original question, could you switch to non-alcoholic wine? Perhaps start by drinking that on alternate days and then maybe increase it to Monday-Friday as an example. Experiment with different grape varieties as there are mixed reviews (just like any other product you can buy).
I don't know which country you're in, but a quick search for what's available in the UK returns multiple results of no-alcohol or low-alcohol wines that are around 15 -30 cals per 100ml. A bottle would work out to be under 250 cals which is vastly different to the 5,000 you're currently consuming.5 -
Oh for goodness sake it’s it’s exactly this and other negative options that makes me wish I never posted this to begin with. I find it very insulting you are asking me to seek help and or speak to a doctor. It’s patronising ! All you and others have done is want me to leave MFP with your your tight ars*d point of views. It is about calories. It’s exactly this why I wish I never mentioned it.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.
OK. Let's say it's just about calories. It's getting in the way of your achieving the weight loss you want to achieve. You say that you're planning your eating around leaving room for 5000 calories a week for wine, which is probably between half and a third of your calories, which means you're prioritizing alcohol over nutrition.
Why don't you cut back? Why do you find that so hard when you know it's important for your goals?5 -
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!
Yes, people are told to see a doctor all the time on these forum if they describe eating behaviors or ways of thinking about food that sound like could ED-related.6 -
There have been a few posts that have suggested quitting entirely or switching to nonalcoholic drinks. This is another reason for you to see a doctor, to get informed medical advice about the dangers of quitting cold turkey when you have been drinking so much, as alcohol withdrawal can cause fatal complications, and to help you reduce or stop drinking in a safe way.7
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My ex used to like a drink. By the end of our relationship, he was drinking a bottle a day too (at least).
He thought it was part of his culture too (by which, I mean he still thought he was a uni student with a younger, more tolerant liver) and his friends agreed. No one took me seriously when I begged them to stop enabling him. No one else lived with him and saw what the alcohol did. He was fairly high-functioning, but the alcohol still trashed our relationship.
I got him professional help, but it came at a cost. I think it was easier for him to cut me out of his life and pretend he hadn't ever been in a situation where his drinking was out of control, but it was. I was too closely linked to all that. It was hard for other people to see because it happened so insidiously - a glass with dinner turned into a bottle on his own - and then some beer on top - and it was a horrific experience for me to live through. I used to cry when he was out and I'd find another stash of hidden wine bottles under the bed.
You don't sound ready to acknowledge drinking 9 units or more a day is a problem. If you are so sure that you don't have a problem, my challenge to you is to see your doctor, tell your doctor honestly how much you're drinking, and ask the doctor to confirm that you don't have a problem. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, please reflect on why. You don't have to post here, you don't owe any of us anything, but for your own sake, please, please think about what you're doing.
I recognise so much of what you're saying, and it chills me to the bone.
Binge drinking is more than 6 units in a sitting if you're a women, 8 if you're a man. It's more than 14 units a week. One bottle of a 12.5% wine a day is 65.8 units a week.
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/am-i-drinking-too-much
You may think I'm being patronising, but I'm just someone who has lived through someone else's alcoholism and who feels forever changed for the worse by that experience. Believe me, I write this out of concern for a fellow human being and nothing else.
Cutting down on calories isn't just about getting thinner, it's about getting healthier too. The wine is problematic because of the calories, but it's also problematic for many other reasons. I really hope you listen to one of the people on this thread urging you to see a doctor, but I'm not sure you're ready yet.16 -
It’s clear you’re not willing to listen to others opinions on addiction etc which is fair, however, this is an open forum and a bottle of wine a day is a lot of alcohol for the average person so you can see where the concern lies. Your reaction is also concerning, but you are allowed to feel how you feel. Please realise that this is coming from a caring place. Members see someone who may be out of control of their alcohol intake and are offering advice. Whether you want it or not you did open yourself up to this advice. If you don’t need it say thank you and move on. Arguing with everyone offering advice isn’t helping anyone. If you don’t have an issue with alcohol then what does it matter, and if you do then this is awesome advice. Cut down slowly though. Don’t shock your body because whether you’re mentally dependent or not you may physically be at that consistent amount and you don’t want to shock your system. Best of luck with your health journey.8
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