I'm still trying to finesse how the whole alcohol situation fits into my new lifestyle. Unlike sweets, I've never been the type to need a drink at dinner, but I've always been a social drinker--a couple of glasses of wine out at a nice dinner, a cocktail or two (or three) at a party--and always an unopened bottle of champagne in my fridge for those Chinese-takeout-and-bubbly nights with the girls. But for a long time, while trying to really make a dent in changing my body, my motto went the way of an after-school special in regards to booze: Just say no. I'd have a glass of wine every so often, but in general, the most intoxicating thing in my highball was a wedge of lime. (You can have your drink without all of the excess calories! Here are a few recipes for yummy low-calorie cocktails.)
But as I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to maintain the changes I've made with my body and a social life, I've decided that a totally booze-free existence isn't necessary, either. I can have a couple glasses of wine once a week--if the occasion calls for it, like a birthday celebration--without feeling like I've done myself in. But here's the tricky part: It's not the calories in the alcohol that worry me so much, since I'm not a binge drinker, but it's the calories I consume after a night of drinking. See, I went to my friend Alyssa's birthday party last night, had two drinks, and then was completely ravenous. Maybe it's because my tolerance is just about zero after all these months cutting back? The point is, since I know alcohol stimulates my appetite and undermines my willpower (yes, I've chosen the W-word here!), I think it's best that a glass of wine is not more than a once or twice a week occurrence, max!
What do you guys think? Do you find that drinking puts
the brakes on your weight loss program? Have any of you decided
that alcohol and weight loss just don't mix in your
world?
And here's a pic from last night. See, I am wearing more
color! :- )
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