Help I like to drink!
amh91011
Posts: 17
This is my first week of actually counting calories and so far, Im not doing so well. I cant seem to stay within my calorie range. I keep going over and to top it off we go out on Thursday and I like to drink! What do I do?
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Replies
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Alcohol sabotages me as well. Bottom line? Unless I cut it WAY down, I will stay where I am.
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You're going to have to decide which is more important to you: alcohol or a healthy body weight.
I work in a treat or two a week, but I log it and adjust my meals that day accordingly.
Open your diary so we can see what you are eating and we can offer suggestions.0 -
Alcohol not only provides way too many empty calories, but it will lower your inhibitions chances are you'll over eat and you'll make worse food choices. Speaking from experience! You need to make up your mind if its worth that risk. If you're already having a hard time staying within your calorie range, maybe you should skip the drinks this week? Once you're in better control and have a better understanding of what is working for you, you may be able to allow 1 drink (something low cal like vodka/soda, or a glass of wine) and then switch to water, but still go and hang out & socialize.
In the past I have managed to lose weight and drink nightly (was a 2-3 glasses of wine a night wino) but you end up sacrificing nutrition to fit in those calories. It's just not worth it overall! Now I don't drink except for maybe once every 2 weeks when i go out with friends. I'll have a beer or a glass of wine and really savor it. It seems much more satisfying this way.0 -
oh lordy, how i miss my margaritas!!! i haven't had one since new years.
i could use one today too.0 -
I drink, just 100 proof rum or vodka and diet coke (100 cals each). I also know how many cals I saved during the day for it. Hubby and I will go out tonight. I'll get to have 2 drinks. Since I'm drinking a high proof alcohol, I don't need as much. Does it slow down metabolism, yes. Do I do it every day or even every week? No. It's usually about every other week and it's only 2 or 3 drinks. If you are eating out, try to stick with low cal dishes to balance things out.0
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I like to drink too. And I still drink. In fact, I have a glass of red wine almost every night, and on the weekends I drink beer. Not light beer either.
So, what I do, is work out like a beast so I have extra calories for my delicious booze! I make sure on weekdays I have a decent amount of cals leftover, kind of like "stockpiling" my extra calories, and then I get in really intense workouts on the weekend so I have some wiggle room for beer or cocktails or whatever. I also make sure I'm eating right and staying well hydrated...haven't had much of a problem losing with this approach!0 -
Unfortunately you gotta stop drinking, if you want to change your body and live a healthier lifestyle......I have a few here and there, nothing excessive, no good in it.......0
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You can either fit it into your calories for the day, work out to make up for it, not worry about it for the day, or just don't drink.0
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Try going out and having fun without drinking
if you can not achieve that you may have a more serious problem then staying in your cals. 0 -
My trainer guy insists it takes 72 hours after drinking alcohol to get back to maximum fat burning rates. I've never read that anywhere else but the one woman who loves beer is the only one not losing weight after a year in our group.0
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Vodka & club soda with lime wedges are my drink of choice when Im dieting. Low in calories and gives you a nice buzz!
Also, exercise alot during the week. If I know Im going drinking on the weekends, my normal 40 minute workouts become 60 minute workouts.0 -
You're going to have to decide which is more important to you: alcohol or a healthy body weight.
I work in a treat or two a week, but I log it and adjust my meals that day accordingly.
Open your diary so we can see what you are eating and we can offer suggestions.
:drinker:0 -
Log it. If you get serious about calorie counting you wont want to drink (as much). I do love wine/beer but when I see that I can have food and not be hungry I opt for food 0
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I like to drink too. And I still drink. In fact, I have a glass of red wine almost every night, and on the weekends I drink beer. Not light beer either.
So, what I do, is work out like a beast so I have extra calories for my delicious booze! I make sure on weekdays I have a decent amount of cals leftover, kind of like "stockpiling" my extra calories, and then I get in really intense workouts on the weekend so I have some wiggle room for beer or cocktails or whatever. I also make sure I'm eating right and staying well hydrated...haven't had much of a problem losing with this approach!
This is what I do too 0 -
I've been struggling with this too. However, since I started running (C25K) three days a week, the muscle soreness from the carbonation, dehydration etc...makes running so hard I've kind of lost my taste. I look forward to my runs and I love to feel progress.
I miss going to the bar with my friends...but I imagine they are going to miss me if I don't lose this weight and die of a heartattack. Cardio is your friend.
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I like to drink too. And I still drink. In fact, I have a glass of red wine almost every night, and on the weekends I drink beer. Not light beer either.
So, what I do, is work out like a beast so I have extra calories for my delicious booze! I make sure on weekdays I have a decent amount of cals leftover, kind of like "stockpiling" my extra calories, and then I get in really intense workouts on the weekend so I have some wiggle room for beer or cocktails or whatever. I also make sure I'm eating right and staying well hydrated...haven't had much of a problem losing with this approach!
QFT! I average one beer a night, and manage to lose, and on weekends I may have 3-5. I just burn to EARN!0 -
My trainer guy insists it takes 72 hours after drinking alcohol to get back to maximum fat burning rates. I've never read that anywhere else but the one woman who loves beer is the only one not losing weight after a year in our group.
I can so believe that. I'd be a hippo if I drank beer. Seriously, it totally screws up my metabolism, blood sugar, etc. Hard liquor, on the other hand, doesn't effect so long as I do it in moderation.0 -
It depends on how much you drink honestly. I love beer adn I usually drink one on Thurs., Friday and Saturday evenings. BUT only one and I enjoy the taste a lot rather than wanting to get really intoxicated. I work out more to offset it and I cut out other carbs on the days I drink beer. It has not slowed down my weight loss at all and I am losing faster than a lot of people who don't drink at all. If you like to drink, cutting it out completely is not going to work because you will just want it more. Either limit it to one night every couple weeks if your going to drink quite a few, or just have one drink more often.0
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My trainer guy insists it takes 72 hours after drinking alcohol to get back to maximum fat burning rates. I've never read that anywhere else but the one woman who loves beer is the only one not losing weight after a year in our group.
I don't think beer is her problem, unless she's going over her calories by drinking on a regular basis and not making up for it. I love beer. Hell, I work for a beer distributor. Beer is my business, and I drink it often. And I haven't had one bit of a problem losing weight.0 -
My trainer guy insists it takes 72 hours after drinking alcohol to get back to maximum fat burning rates. I've never read that anywhere else but the one woman who loves beer is the only one not losing weight after a year in our group.
I don't think beer is her problem, unless she's going over her calories by drinking on a regular basis and not making up for it. I love beer. Hell, I work for a beer distributor. Beer is my business, and I drink it often. And I haven't had one bit of a problem losing weight.
If she has a tendency towards sugar sensitivity, it can really halt her progress. Not diabetes or pre-diabetes, but just sugar sensitivity. That's why beer so greatly effects my weight loss. I was sugar sensitive then I went to pre-diabetes, then diabetes, now I'm at diet controlled diabetic (which is basically back to sugar sensitivity if that makes sense).0 -
My trainer guy insists it takes 72 hours after drinking alcohol to get back to maximum fat burning rates. I've never read that anywhere else but the one woman who loves beer is the only one not losing weight after a year in our group.
I don't think beer is her problem, unless she's going over her calories by drinking on a regular basis and not making up for it. I love beer. Hell, I work for a beer distributor. Beer is my business, and I drink it often. And I haven't had one bit of a problem losing weight.
If she has a tendency towards sugar sensitivity, it can really halt her progress. Not diabetes or pre-diabetes, but just sugar sensitivity. That's why beer so greatly effects my weight loss. I was sugar sensitive then I went to pre-diabetes, then diabetes, now I'm at diet controlled diabetic (which is basically back to sugar sensitivity if that makes sense).
Right, but that's a whoooole different issue. That would be something individual to that person, not like a general rule for everyone. And I don't believe the whole 72 hours thing whatsoever because I drink alcohol almost every day--by that logic I'd probably not have lost a pound.
Everybody's different, but generally speaking, unless you have some sort of medical issue or sensitivity, burn more than you consume, make sure you're eating right and staying well hydrated, and enjoy your booze.0 -
Work out a little extra the day before and the day after you know you're going out. Make sure to have a glass of water between each drink. You'll have to play around with your numbers and habits and find a situation that works for you. Last year I lost twenty pounds and never stopped drinking or eating things I loved. I just found ways to enjoy those things while sticking within my calorie goals.0
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Would you rather eat your calories or drink them? That's honestly the question you have to answer, and if you decide on 'drink' you still can't do that everyday as you need other nutrition.
I know this problem well as I go out to the bar at least once a week and on those days I save up throughout my day so I can have beer, but since even a Bud Light is 146 a pint I still only wind up with 3 beers and possibly a shot. After that I drain Diet Coke and water which honestly I've become used to as I am 100% sober by the time I get behind the wheel, it saves me money, and I'm less likely to eat something that sounds like a good choice when I'm drunk. Admittedly, the guys at the bar give me **** sometimes about switching to the Diet Coke, but they're just ribbing me as overall they're supportive and know what I'm trying to do. I'd have to imagine your friends would be the same, and if your friends aren't supportive I would question if they're truly your 'friends'.
I wish I could offer more advice, or some sort of magic panacea, but there isn't; you have to look at your calories and make choices as to how to use them. It is very hard, especially starting out, but once you get in the routine of staying within your calories you'll get used to it. Good luck and I'm sure you'll start doing great in no time.
P.S.: This site, http://getdrunknotfat.com/ , is invaluable to me when I'm drinking new stuff.0 -
Girl - I hear you. I said from the get go I wasn't giving up my booze. As it turns out, even staying within my cal zone, I didn't lose any weight. I used to be able to stop eating bread and lose 10lbs in 2 weeks. Those days are gone. Even eating and drinking 1,000 cals a day, I didn't lose weight. For me, it slows my metabolism down too much. Might be a combo of age too. Here's some ideas for drinks:
1. If at home, crystal light now makes mocktails. They are fantastic. I'm a tequila girl at heart. Get silver (clear) tequila. It has less cals cuase it has less sugar. Mix it up and you've just made a skinny rita. For what you get at the mexican joint, you can have enough to be stupid drunk. Here's the #'s: Last night I had 24 oz of rita's for 500 Cals - made at home with 2 oz tequila 138 cal.
2. If you drink out. Try using club soda or seltzer (NOT TONIC) and add a splash of juice for flavor.0 -
Now I want beer. Thanks.0
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Now I want beer. Thanks.
Let's have a drink.... It's almost lunch time!0 -
My trainer guy insists it takes 72 hours after drinking alcohol to get back to maximum fat burning rates. I've never read that anywhere else but the one woman who loves beer is the only one not losing weight after a year in our group.
I swear the ONE glass of wine I had last night is responsible for how my abs look today (where are they?). I was having all this great progress too. Dammit I love to drink too and to make matters worse I'm going out with friends tonight.....curses.0 -
I tried for years to drink and lose weight. Ultimately, when I weighed over 200# and actually stopped eating and only drank white wine, I kept gaining weight. All that sugar did me in! I realized I liked my wine way too much. I got help and quit drinking. It was amazing how fast the weight came off. In addition to stopping drinking, I ate just raw veggies, lean proteins, low fat dressing on my salads and no flour products or processed foods. From April 20, 2011-August I dropped over 50#. I have since gained some back (if you see my profile) and am losing again now. I only gained back 10 so it's not out of control. It sucks but alcohol is the devil for losing weight. My life has gotten so much better since I quit drinking as well. I feel better, healthier, no hangovers, etc. Good luck!0
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Now I want beer. Thanks.
Let's have a drink.... It's almost lunch time!
I intend to leave work early and guzzle some wine and delete a bunch of facebook friends. I'm high with power ;-P0 -
I like to drink too. And I still drink. In fact, I have a glass of red wine almost every night, and on the weekends I drink beer. Not light beer either.
So, what I do, is work out like a beast so I have extra calories for my delicious booze! I make sure on weekdays I have a decent amount of cals leftover, kind of like "stockpiling" my extra calories, and then I get in really intense workouts on the weekend so I have some wiggle room for beer or cocktails or whatever. I also make sure I'm eating right and staying well hydrated...haven't had much of a problem losing with this approach!
I agree totally! I was worried that my love of partying would be a problem with my weightloss too, but it hasn't. I'm sure I would have lost more if I cut it out altogether, but I have no intention of doing that, and I want to keep the weight off with a plan I will maintain. I will not maintain without my wine and beer!
You don't have to give up all you enjoy, just tweak it. If you're going out for drinks, eat a lower calorie meal than you normally would to even it out. And work out more to "earn" the drinks! Sometimes this can get a little discouraging, like "OMG I just worked my a** off to burn 400 calories, and I only "earned" myself 4 beers!?!? " But it helps keep me more aware of how and why I gained in the first place, and what I need to do to keep losing.
And sometimes I think it's totally ok to "cheat" occasionally. I know I will be doing alot of activity this weekend, so I don't feel bad having fun tonight (Tijuana Flats from dinner and high calorie yummy beers at a craft beer bar!)
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