Drinking alcohol

Ok - those who are acting like this person has a problem because they can't NOT drink... that's ridiculous and unsupportive and just don't reply. It's called a social life... I completely understand. One of my weaknesses is that during the week I am on a very strict diet and then on the weekends when my boyfriend and I go out to dinner or drinks with friends, music festivals, family bbq's, etc. the drinks add up and the next thing you know, it's Monday and your calorie intake the past 2-3 days has set you back!! I think it is just really important to log those drinks into MFP and really stick to them. If you know ahead of time you are going to a specific restaurant and you will have two glasses of cab - log it and then really stick to it. Also, my friends and I have researched trying to find the lowest calorie drinks... bloody marys, vodka soda with a lemon and lime, bacardi and diet...It is really hard... I know ! You have a goal you want to achieve but you also want to have a good time and live life. Good luck!!

I hardly think she has a drinking problem, people. Having a few beers does not qualify as being a Alcoholic.

I liked your unedited post better

So I tend to drink a lot of my calories back in beer. Are there other people out there that have that problem? That is probably the main reason I am not losing as much weight as I could be. I try really hard not to drink but then I have a beer, and another, and another....what are other people doing to control this?

They are empty calories. And yes, its a good chance it's the reason you aren't losing. Alcohol is a toxin and your body will stop metabolize in order to eliminate the alcohol from the body. You just need to get rid of alcohol from your house. And maybe leave your drivers license in the car when you go to restaurants.

Ok - those who are acting like this person has a problem because they can't NOT drink... that's ridiculous and unsupportive and just don't reply. It's called a social life... I completely understand. One of my weaknesses is that during the week I am on a very strict diet and then on the weekends when my boyfriend and I go out to dinner or drinks with friends, music festivals, family bbq's, etc. the drinks add up and the next thing you know, it's Monday and your calorie intake the past 2-3 days has set you back!! I think it is just really important to log those drinks into MFP and really stick to them. If you know ahead of time you are going to a specific restaurant and you will have two glasses of cab - log it and then really stick to it. Also, my friends and I have researched trying to find the lowest calorie drinks... bloody marys, vodka soda with a lemon and lime, bacardi and diet...It is really hard... I know ! You have a goal you want to achieve but you also want to have a good time and live life. Good luck!!

Um, the OP said that they have a beer, then they have another, and another and can't stop themselves. That's actually pretty much the definition of a problem. You don't have to get blind drunk every time you dink to have a dependency. If you require a 6 pack to have a good time, you have a drinking problem.

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Abuse

1. A maladaptive pattern of alcohol abuse leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one or more of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:

a) Recurrent alcohol use resulting in failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household).
b) Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine).
c) Recurrent alcohol-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for alcohol-related disorderly conduct).
d) Continued alcohol use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the alcohol (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication or physical fights).

2. These symptoms must never have met the criteria for alcohol dependence.

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Dependence

A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following seven criteria, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:

1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

a) A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.

2. Withdrawal, as defined by either of the following:

a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (refer to DSM-IV for further details).
b) Alcohol is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

3. Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.

4. There is a persistent desire or there are unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.

5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol or recover from its effects.

6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.

7. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the alcohol (e.g., continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).

So I tend to drink a lot of my calories back in beer. Are there other people out there that have that problem? That is probably the main reason I am not losing as much weight as I could be. I try really hard not to drink but then I have a beer, and another, and another....what are other people doing to control this?