The guys in The Clubhouse said I have to quit drinking beer to lose weight!

[_MementoMori_]

It made me question whether I really want to lose weight...

Anyway, I was wondering if whiskey is a better alternative. I love bourbon and scotch and I'd be less grumpy if I could still have a glass each night in lieu of beer. Still, though, I love beer more than ANY whiskey out there. What do you guys think? Have any of you made this switch and seen results with your weight loss efforts?

 

[Obsessed]

Running to your enablers is not the kind of running they were talking about in the Clubhouse!

 

[_MementoMori_]

Can I turn any corner on B&B and not run smack into an enabler of some sort?

 

[Argonaut]

Sadly, if you want to lose weight, there isn't a alcohol alternative. Whiskey and diet soda is supposed to be the best, but the alcohol in your system is used similar to a carbohydrate. It is absorbed into the blood stream immediately and is used as a fuel instead of your fat reserves. This isn't my research, I've read every other diet book out there. Calorie wise, spirits have a ridiculous amount, but the numbers are skewed because of the flammability of 80 proof spirits. Three beers at 120 calories equals about an hour of light jogging for most people.

 

[_MementoMori_]

Well, damn.

I might just stick with being slightly overweight.

 

[Redzone]

Running to your enablers is not the kind of running they were talking about in the Clubhouse!

Gold !
Many years back when I was competing in light weight classes I was always dieting to make weight for weigh ins. I used to toss up between eating calories or drinking them. 2 beers had quite a diuretic effect and helped with weigh in the following day (yes I was a self enabler)
Good luck, it can be tough.

 

[mmmike]

Try the p90x, it burns so many calories you can still drink beer and lose weight, that's what I'm doing

 

[COHunter]

Do an extra set!

I too know your dilemma...I'm trying to shed some of the belly so I'm limiting the drinking to weekends only.

 

[The Dean]

Sadly, if you want to lose weight, there isn't a alcohol alternative. Whiskey and diet soda is supposed to be the best, but the alcohol in your system is used similar to a carbohydrate. It is absorbed into the blood stream immediately and is used as a fuel instead of your fat reserves. This isn't my research, I've read every other diet book out there. Calorie wise, spirits have a ridiculous amount, but the numbers are skewed because of the flammability of 80 proof spirits. Three beers at 120 calories equals about an hour of light jogging for most people.

Twice in my life I lost a bunch of weight following an Atkins like plan. In the initial phase you deny yourself just about all carbs. The theory being, if your body has no available carbs to burn, it will turn to burning fat. To measure whether that is, or isn't, true, you can check your urine with Ketone test strips. Atkins discourages alcohol (even vodka and whiskey which have no carbs). But I remember even Atkins said MOST people will be negatively impacted by alcohol, while some will not.

Since I wasn't about to quit drinking completely, I gave up beer (not a big problem for me) and occasionally had a bit of red or white wine--just a bit, though. Vodka, gin, whiskey, cognac, etc, I drank as I wished. I don't use carbonated soda (except for quinine--I used diet when I needed it). Whiskey on the rocks--or with water. Vodka with any Crystal Light type drink, or unsweetened ice tea, etc. I was burning fat like crazy. Lost the weight I was "supposed" to lose even though I consumed a lot of alcoholic calories.

Now, I'm not suggesting this is a good plan or that it will work for everyone. But it has worked, twice, for me. Years down the road I have gained the weight back--and more-- so I may need to give it a shot again, though I don't think my system can take that diet again, given my recent history with gout. I'm more likely to just watch myself these days and settle for a healthier diet, more activity and let the weight come off slowly.

Some say alcohol provides "empty calories". But we all know better than that, right?

 

[mr_economy]

Alan Aragon, one of the most respected guys in the fitness world, says a drink or two each day is just fine. Take a gander at this article, I think you might like his conclusion: http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sex_news_sports_funny/a_muscleheads_guide_to_alcohol_1 .

 

[luvmysuper]

Seek balance in your life. No extreme is best, regardless of the original intent.

 

[The Dean]

Seek balance in your life. No extreme is best, regardless of the original intent.

Everything in moderation----including moderation.

 

[luvmysuper]

Everything in moderation----including moderation.

There's an exception to every rule.

 

[inspiringK]

I barely drink any beer nowadays. I don't avoid it necessarily, but have made a conscious effort to drink hard alcohol instead. There are so many good options out there that I am enjoying my drinks more than ever - you can have everything from martinis to the various types of whiskey or rum etc. The only catch is that my total unit of alcohol consumption has probably gone up through the change since I find it just as easy to drink 6 ounces of Gin in martini form as I do to drink three beers. So, I am sure the whole calorie intake thing is a wash..... So, I just exercise and walk often.

Everything in moderation----including moderation.

This quote always makes me want to add a stick of butter to anything that I am eating, as an ode to Julia Childs.

 

[The Dean]

There's an exception to every rule.

Moderation is my middle name. I never go more than five or six drinks over my limit!

 

[Doc4]

There's an exception to every rule.

... except that one.

 

[luvmysuper]

... except that one.

That's why I love it.

 

[Helas]

I think you should follow the basic steps...
1. Take low fat and carbs in your diet.
2. Drink green tea and vinegar
3. Do yoga or other Zumba exercise.
4. Don't drink beer.

How HCG Diet Drop will help you?

 

[whavens]

Easy answer.....quit hanging out in the clubhouse.

 

[The Dean]

There's an exception to every rule.

But not in this case, IMO. I think "going off" on occasion--I mean very very occasionally--is good for the soul.