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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Alcohol and dieting

35 replies

Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 15:28

Name changed for this one and posting here for traffic. I’m currently trying to lose a lot of weight and slowly(very) getting there. Doing all the usual things, eating low carb food, nuts, lots of chicken and fish, lean steak, lots of veg(not too keen on fruit) and trying to walk or cycle as much as I can. I don’t normally have sweet stuff so that hasn’t been been an issue and I’ve pretty much cut it out without any bother. Now, the one thing that seems to be sabotaging my weight loss is drinking alcohol. Once I start, it’s difficult to stick to one. Gin in particular. It’s really getting me down because I know I have it too much and too often. AIBU in thinking I’ll never lose weight without giving up drinking altogether?

OP posts:
Patbutcherismyhero · 02/08/2020 15:32

Sadly yes. Alcohol is really calorific. Clear spirits like gin and vodka with slimline tonic or sugar free fizzy drinks are your best bet but even they have quite a few calories especially if you're drinking a lot. Beer and wine are incredibly fattening. I think there are about 600 cals in a bottle of wine so if you're doing that a few times a week it really does add up.

I lost a lot of weight last year and I noticed the biggest results when I cut back on drinking as well as watching what I ate.

SchrodingersImmigrant · 02/08/2020 15:36

I am losing weight without giving up drinking. However, I account for it in my overall week so it's not something extra on top.

Nevertheless, it doesn't sound like your problem with alcohol is just about weight going by "It’s really getting me down because I know I have it too much and too often."

vanillandhoney · 02/08/2020 15:38

Gin is probably one of the "better" alcohols to be drinking but it still has calories - are you including your alcohol in your daily totals?

You can still drink if you're dieting, you just need to include it in your calorie allowance. Personally, I'd rather eat Grin

Chocolateteabag · 02/08/2020 15:38

"I know I have it too much and too often"

I wouldn't necessarily give it up completely - but as you've said the above, you will need to cut down quite a bit to help your efforts. Otherwise you are just adding in unnecessary calories.

I am a gin lover - but I have just one good gin on a Friday night now, rather than 2-3. And it's got to be a proper one, no premixed tin.

Original poster
Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 15:43

@SchrodingersImmigrant

I am losing weight without giving up drinking. However, I account for it in my overall week so it's not something extra on top.

Nevertheless, it doesn't sound like your problem with alcohol is just about weight going by "It’s really getting me down because I know I have it too much and too often."

The weight is an issue and I see the drink as sabotaging the weight loss but I enjoy it. I don’t eat cakes, chocolates, biscuits etc. This is my one treat. Problem is sticking to one Gin
OP posts:
MitziK · 02/08/2020 15:44

You could buy a premixed can as your once a week treat?

Original poster
Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 15:45

@vanillandhoney Yes I’m including it but no point doing that if I’m having 2 or 3 a day. Although I am trying every other day now.

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Original poster
Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 15:46

@MitziK That’s actually not a bad idea. Then you don’t have the whole bottle loitering here all week Grin

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SchrodingersImmigrant · 02/08/2020 15:48

If you are having 3 gin & something a day, then that's an issue. Not just weight wise. And I am partial to a drink so if I raise eyebrow a bit, it's somethingBlush

Original poster
Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 15:48

@Chocolateteabag I also prefer a premium gin, the problem being it doesn’t last very long Blush

OP posts:
user1493413286 · 02/08/2020 15:50

Sadly I also find that when I drink I’m more likely to make bad choices with food as well.

DivGirl · 02/08/2020 15:51

So you're unhappy about how much you're drinking, and once you start it's difficult to stop. You're also drinking every day.

It doesn't sound like the only issue is your weight here. I don't say that to shame or judge you - I used to drink too heavily. Not all alcoholics have vodka for breakfast.

lockdownalli · 02/08/2020 15:53

@user1493413286

Sadly I also find that when I drink I’m more likely to make bad choices with food as well.
Yeah this is my issue.

It's not just the useless calories in the drink, it's all the crisps and chocolate that miraculously make their way down my neck as my willpower flies out the window......

If I don't drink, I don't snack.

pinksoda35 · 02/08/2020 15:56

I love my food and wine-I find it easier to make healthy smart food choices, I know I drink too much wine and that I would probably be in better shape if I didn't.
I only drink at the weekends now and don't snack
I eat healthy and I exercise x4 or x5 days a week!
I bet I would be in fab shape if I could stop the wine ha,ha.

Quackersandcheese3 · 02/08/2020 15:56

I’m losing weight and drinking alcohol. I really like wine . Will drink a bottle a week so that’s not a huge amount. Two small glasses is 250 cal . Which is perfectly reasonable.

pinksoda35 · 02/08/2020 15:57

Heck! I probably drink 2 or 3 bottles of wine over the week!!

attillathenun · 02/08/2020 15:58

Sadly yes, you need to ditch the booze ideally to maximise your weight loss! Your body metabolises alcohol as sugars and it also affects your sleep and digestion which are both important to losing weight. Plus it’s full of empty calories! Could you do what PP has said, buy a premixed can just as a weekly treat? If you just buy the one then you’re not tempted to go out and buy more.

Mintjulia · 02/08/2020 15:58

Quite apart from weight loss, 3 units a day is at least 21 units a week and probably more unless you use a pub measure.

Not only will it prevent weight loss but it’ll wreck your liver and risk all sorts of other damage.

Can you stick to one pre-mix can, Friday, Sat & Sun evenings, as a compromise? Don’t bring a bottle into the house.

Original poster
Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 16:03

@user1493413286

Sadly I also find that when I drink I’m more likely to make bad choices with food as well.
Sadly me too
OP posts:
Original poster
Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 16:04

@DivGirl I know. I’m aware of the weekly units I’m downing and the health consequences. I guess I’m using the weight loss as a way to temper my drinking

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PrincessHoneysuckle · 02/08/2020 16:09

I had to stop drinking for a month to lose a stone

Dozer · 02/08/2020 16:12

You already know that your drinking X units a day isn’t good for your health, and not just because of the calories/sugar.

Original poster
Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 16:13

Well done for cutting down @pinksoda35. I’m going to have to increase my exercise anyway despite the gin drinking

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Original poster
Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 16:15

@PrincessHoneysuckle

I had to stop drinking for a month to lose a stone
How did you find it?
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Original poster
Worriedrinker · 02/08/2020 16:16

Thanks all who suggested just buying one premixed can. Going to give that a go! Nothing to lose.

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