Drink anyone?

[Amy-SC]

Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m on my 4th day of induction but it could be technically my first day because I messed up last night. I had a HORRIBLE day at work and when I got home it didn’t get any better (bad news via mail) so I went out, got a six pack of Michelob Ultra and drank it . I still didn’t have any sugar and as far as food, I stuck to the diet but I know alcohol is not allowed. My problem is that I drink socially quite often on the weekends. My husband and I have this network of friends/neighbors that get together a LOT, I’d say at the very least twice a month, and we eat and we drink. The eating thing I can excuse because I can make my own snacks to bring to our social gatherings and still “be good” but the alcohol thing is the problem. We (hubby and I) are both trying to cut out sugar and bad carbs but do we absolutely HAVE to give up alcohol? We only drink socially on the weekends (aside from my absolute screw up last night) and it’s usually only once per week (Saturday night) we all get together and play cards, listen to music, whatever ... I’d say we usually have an occasion to drink with friends 4 times per month. What CAN we have and how badly is this going to screw us up if we’re good/strict with the diet every other day of the month?

[sadie147]

Re: Drink anyone?

Well, if you are following the plan as you should... you should not continue to drink, especially during your induction..and until the alcohol rung (i think it's rung 6).

That said, if you do choose to drink, it's hard to say what effect it will have. Your body will burn any alcohol before it will burn fat, so it's likely going to at least slow your weight loss down, maybe stall you, but everyone will be different.

As for what to drink, personally I'd stay away from beer due to the carbs --though light beer isn't as bad as regular, you still consumed 5.6 g's per bottle..over 30 g's of carbs for a 6 pack!. Hard liquor (rum, vodka, gin, rye) has 0 carbs, but beware of any flavoured liquors and liquers for added sugars. Wine as well has carbs, depending on the type it will vary. a good place for the carb counts is www.calorieking.com. Unless they are specifically low carb stay away from coolers as well. Use diet pop or soda water for mix.

I added alcohol back before i should have too . One thing I always made sure of is the next day...no matter how hard it was to do...I always worked out, i figured it helps my body burn off any alcohol. No idea if that's true..but it always makes me feel better after as well!

[Amy-SC]

Re: Drink anyone?

Thanks for the info Jen!

[philliha]

Re: Drink anyone?

Of course the by-the-book answer would be don't do it, but I've also jumped up to the alcohol rung a time or two ahead of schedule. I would say try not to do it often, and monitor what happens when you do drink. If it causes cravings, STOP. I do make sure to count the carbs as part of my daily amount, and generally stick to vodka and club soda (zero carbs and oh so yummy!). I'm just about to the alcohol rung. Yay!

[SunnyDays]

Re: Drink anyone?

oh I am so glad you asked this question.... I have drank twice...ON INDUCTION! oops...

But I drink gin and club soda-- 0 carbs. Not that that makes it ok...but at least it is not something really bad.

I have a hard time with it too. I go out once a week or have friends over and alcohol is just part of the mix. I guess I should be able not drink, but I am so good in the other areas....that I think I justify....

Maybe I will try the wagon..

[pamelainaustin]

Re: Drink anyone?

Ah-hhh, a subject I can relate to

We also socialize and go out quite a bit on the weekends. I did make it through induction for the whole 14 days with no alcohol, but since then I have indulged on occasion. I either have a martini or bourbon and water and have an occasional Michelob Ultra (2.9 carbs--I checked ) . I do avoid all liquers (like Bailey's--sigh) and try not to overdo it.

I managed to lose 10 pounds on induction and 20 more pounds in the 10 weeks since induction and I am satisfied with that. I might be a few more pounds down if I had not drank any alcohol at all, but I am okay with my progress thus far.

Pam