I think I need to give up alcohol

[mjbabcock]

Okay, everything I like to do is better when I'm not fat.
Riding, running, hiking, climbing, cavorting...everything

Problem is I'm fat; 20 pounds too fat.

I did the math and 2 drinks/evening might be all it takes to make the difference between fit and fat. When I was younger the metabolism took care of the issue, but as I'm aging I thinking I may to go on the proverbial wagon. Anyone else give up imbibing for the sake of weight gain?

[hmai18]

Just stick to clear liquor.

[David Tollefson]

Take the sustainable approach -- cut back to one a night instead of two.

[EliottS]

Take the sustainable approach -- cut back to one a night instead of two.

This is pretty much what I've ended up with. I stick to the weekends, and go dry for the week (mostly...I mean, on extra shitty days sometimes I give in). I would hate to actually accidentally save money doing this, so I usually buy something a notch nicer than I would if I were stocking up for all week.

Edit: whoops, misread your post. going from two to one a night helps a ton, too. I started off with that.

[colker]

alcohol should never become a habit anyway.

[steamer]

Just stick to clear liquor.

Have you never wondered why I drink only distilled water, or rainwater, and only pure-grain alcohol?

[Matthew Strongin]

Take the sustainable approach -- cut back to one a night instead of two.

This. I enjoy a beer after work and don't see too much of a penalty by keeping it to one. Well, unless it's a special occasion. Then I'll cut loose a bit more. The added benefit is that by limiting my intake I'm now a lightweight. I cut it out entirely for a couple years (had less to do with weight gain than other reasons) and it was easier to get really thin, though I don't know that I was any faster or stronger. I was also a bummer at parties and didn't get to partake in something I really enjoy. But one a night strikes a nice balance.

[mrk_d]

Have you never wondered why I drink only distilled water, or rainwater, and only pure-grain alcohol?

What about Michelob Ultra?

[Brandon White]

Last Sept/October - I got into really good shape. Like some of the best fitness I had in at least 10 years. I cut down on beer, but not cut out. I still had a beer or couple glasses of wine a night. I swapped carbs (not including beer) for veggies and limited myself to 2 servings of "allowable" carbs per day (not including beer) and also limited cheese (oh the horror!). In November and December - I was on a carb rampage though and also drank a lot more.

[guido]

My SO and I gave up all alcohol about a year and a half ago now. We both feel a whole lot better and it definitely helps with weight maintenance.

[boydcycling]

Guys, this is a forum where N+1 is the norm.

If you step up your drinking game enough to where you throw up. . .it's like those calories never happened. :-)

[thollandpe]

What about Michelob Ultra?

Then you have to wear your ironed shirt untucked, hang out only with people who are painfully attractive, and be filmed by a drone that's constantly looping around you 360 degrees.

[Matthew Strongin]

Last Sept/October - I got into really good shape. Like some of the best fitness I had in at least 10 years. I cut down on beer, but not cut out. I still had a beer or couple glasses of wine a night. I swapped carbs (not including beer) for veggies and limited myself to 2 servings of "allowable" carbs per day (not including beer) and also limited cheese (oh the horror!). In November and December - I was on a carb rampage though and also drank a lot more.

Based on our pizza and beer binge the other day, I'd say you're way, way off that wagon.

[SlowPokePete]

WWDD.

What Would Darren Do ?

SPP

[steamer]

What about Michelob Ultra?

That wouldn't allow me replenish my precious bodily fluids.

[TMB]

As of January 1, I have cut back to about 2 drinks a week. I have not yet noticed any weight loss but my clothes certainly fit better. Sadly, I feel better too.

[Bobonli]

Where else are you drinking calories? Soda, coffee, tea.....?

I may have 2 or 3 beers a week maximum and that's if I'm doing a lot of cooking for the family. But I consume far more calories from the sugar I add to coffee and tea. If you do 2 or 3 cups of coffee a day, it starts to add up.

You might consider having a healthy glass of water before the beer to fill you up a little so you don't want the 2d one.

[oopfoo]

What about Michelob Ultra?

Ultra WHAT? Is the question.

[Brandon White]

Based on our pizza and beer binge the other day, I'd say you're way, way off that wagon.

I forgot to mention, January too. I'm back at it for Feb!

WWDD.

What Would Darren Do ?

SPP

Spinach, beet, and goat cheese salad + 3 IPAs (he's cut back from 8). And then play sports all day.

[mjbabcock]

I feel like one of the big issues is the fact that there has been an explosion of quality beers over the last decade. We've got an abundance of delicious options in bottles and cans...this isn't like the Rolling Rock of my college days.

The other thing is that kids between the ages of 8 months and 5 years are so much more enjoyable with a beer or two onboard...