Alcohol use on Atkins

[julirama723]

Re: Alcohol use on Atkins

My personal opinion is to wait until rung 5 to try out alcohol for a couple reasons: 1) You've estimated your CCLL based on metabolic resistance during induction and 2) You've lost a portion of weight and can begin adding back some extra foods/beverages into your diet.

I waited until rung 5, and my first drink on Atkins was a whiskey and soda. It tasted great! I had a single, and only one (normally I would have had a few doubles, as we went out for my boyfriend's birthday), and I drank it veryyyyyyyyyy slowly. I also made sure to drink over a gallon of water before I went out drinking. Well I woke up with the worst hangover EVER the next day! I think the alcohol was just such a shock to my poor body--I'd only been giving it water for months, no soda, no coffee, no flavored stuff.

Since that initial drink, I have had wine with dinner (usually every couple of weeks) and maybe a drink like whiskey and soda, or vodka and diet cranberry juice once in a blue moon. I haven't had a killer hangover since that first drink, but one drink REALLY knocks my socks off. My tolerance is zero.

I really only drink for special occasions or with very special meals. I had wine on Christmas, and planned ahead for a few glasses. I had a drink on New Year's Eve. I had about 1oz. of wine last week to celebrate ONEderland, and I will have a few drinks next weekend, as my friends and I are planning a night out for St. Patrick's Day.

When we consume alcohol, our bodies have to burn that off first before it can go back to fat-burning. So I choose my drinking carefully.

So, choose your drinks and your events carefully, and in moderation.

[Mistics]

Re: Alcohol use on Atkins

Ok, I have a question too.

So, if I have lost all the pounds I wanted to lose and I've reached my goal weight - can I drink the alcohol (diet friendly) and not to worry about gaining any weight? I mean, it's said that it burns the alcohol as a fuel, not fat - but if I don't need to burn fat anymore? Then alcohol is harmless, right? If I continue the diet, eat only as much carbs as I need to keep my weight, drink water etc. What does "buring fat" means after the goal weight?

[not2late]

Re: Alcohol use on Atkins

Ok, I have a question too.

So, if I have lost all the pounds I wanted to lose and I've reached my goal weight - can I drink the alcohol (diet friendly) and not to worry about gaining any weight? I mean, it's said that it burns the alcohol as a fuel, not fat - but if I don't need to burn fat anymore? Then alcohol is harmless, right? If I continue the diet, eat only as much carbs as I need to keep my weight, drink water etc. What does "buring fat" means after the goal weight?

Depends on how your body reacts to the alcohol. Dr. Atkins mentions that some of us are sensitive to yeast. Yeast is what makes the alcohol in alcoholic beverages. The yeast is killed off to stop the fermentation process, but their little yeast bodies and yeast proteins are still present. So if you are yeast sensititive, alcohol might do things to your Maintenance weight body.

Also, (hopefully), you don't stay on Induction for your entire weight loss journey, so you what you've learned about yourself and foods during the OWL and Pre-Maintenance Phases will help you during your Maintenance Phase.

You're still burning fat, carbs and proteins during Maintenance. If you didn't, you'd re-gain your weight. So Maintenance is still a balance of energy in and energy out. It's probably the hardest Atkins phase because you really need to know your body, your personality and your foods. Induction is pretty mindless because you follow Rules and eat off a List. OWL and Pre-Maintenance requires more thought and Maintenance (if you want to stay at your goal weight) requires more.

[Odosan]

Re: Alcohol use on Atkins

Hey all,

I too say skip the booze. At least don't do it for several weeks or months. Loose some weight first then if you really really really want to tip a few mugs, then remember, your body will burn the sugar from the Booze first before the Carbo's... Thus more booze less weight loss or none at all. Trust me.. I am living proof. After a year doing atkins, booze will only slow or stop you from reaching your goals. Plus it is kind of nice going out with your wife or bestest friend and just telling the barbie, no worries mate, i'm driving tonight. haha.. works every time, I tell's ya.
But if you really really have to .. keep with the distilled drinks. Wine is fine but it is fruit and it has carb's in it.
However, you are in control of your own life. If you choose to party sometimes with your mates or wife, then by all means. Just jump right back on the Atkins bandwagon and get on with your weight loss. Hey, it took how long to get you to this weight now? So, it will take you time to get your wieght off. Just make it an effort to do so.
Oh, I do love vodka chilled with a dash of lime. But don't spread that around. The Zone Diet peeps may get upset. haha...
toodles,

[Zinahsamie]

Re: Alcohol use on Atkins

Well thx everyone. To let you know. I had way more than one drink but I had a great time. I mix the Vodka with crystal light which was pretty good. I know I should of stayed clean but I have to feel good that I didn't end up joinning my friend when they had Pasta late at night and I didn't. Either way, I have been strong with resisting the temptation of my usual pleasures. I have a session with personal trainer for the second time in a week. It's kicking my butt literally but I feel more committed in general.

[Freddy]

Re: Alcohol use on Atkins

Well thx everyone. To let you know. I had way more than one drink but I had a great time. I mix the Vodka with crystal light which was pretty good. I know I should of stayed clean but I have to feel good that I didn't end up joinning my friend when they had Pasta late at night and I didn't. Either way, I have been strong with resisting the temptation of my usual pleasures. I have a session with personal trainer for the second time in a week. It's kicking my butt literally but I feel more committed in general.

Well done for not eating the pasta. Only concern is that next time after a couple of more drinks then the pasta may become harder to resist.

[Scooterjam]

Re: Alcohol use on Atkins

Ditto!

[darthkachinka]

Re: Alcohol use on Atkins

I drink Myers's rum and diet pepsi jazz ( the black cherry kind). Vodka martinis with green olives are good too. This is my 2nd or third try on Atkins and I am really rethinking the whole alcohol thing. I'm thinking of quitting it unless a really special occasion comes up (like my wedding in three months, lol).

Remember that the alcohol seems to hit you like a ton of bricks without the carbs to help absorb it. Good Luck to you.

[LuckyD]

Re: Alcohol use on Atkins

I tried the vanilla vodka and diet coke over the weekend and I really liked it. But boy, oh boy, a little alcohol goes a long way. I think the key is if you do decide to drink alternate with water. It will work wonders.