Alcohol and dieting

[Worriedrinker]

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?

I guess I’m using the weight loss as a way to temper my drinking

When was the last time you took a break from drinking every day? And had a dry week or whatever?

Yeah alcohol is bad for weight gain. Partner reduced from lints a week to approx 3 at the end of April. 2 stone lost by mid July. On track to be goal weight by November.

He also doesn't like cakes, sweet treats rtc

Why not try doing a dry month, to get the habit under control again? I did a dry 3 months and found it really effective. The first two weeks an embarrassed to say I had cravings, but then they went. I made sure I had something grown up to sip in a wine glass that was not wine. (Diet tonic water and bitters gives a gin type taste). If you are uncomfortable with how much you are drinking, it's good to listen to that feeling and act, before it runs away with you.

Doesn't even have to be a month. Just a dry week. It will catch on. It's just to break a habit. Step by step. Same goes for any habit. Including having for example a chocolate every night at 10pm. Once you break it, you can re model it.

If you are drinking because you feel it relaxes you, then surely one will have the same relaxing effect as 3? What I mean is, ask yourself when you are about to pour a 2nd if you need it. Wouldn't a tonic with ice and cucumber be just as nice.
1 week of no alcohol sounds like a great reset.

@TwilightPeace

I guess I’m using the weight loss as a way to temper my drinking

When was the last time you took a break from drinking every day? And had a dry week or whatever?

Maybe a year ago.

@Skyliner001 Well done to your DH. I know I need to cut down just can’t seem to do it

A week sounds good although I’m trying every other day first then build from there

*When was the last time you took a break from drinking every day? And had a dry week or whatever?

Maybe a year ago.*

Could you cut down to a couple of days a week? And give your liver a break?
It will help your weight-loss but also definitely help your health in general.
You’ll probably feel more re-vitalised and motivated.
Health is a lot more than the number on scales.