Alcohol question

I'm in college on a 1200 calorie diet. I like to go out once a week to the bars, and I was wondering what the best way to incorporate drinks into my diet is. If I only eat 800 calories and drink 400 calories worth of drinks, I get sick because of my empty stomach. But if I eat, I'll go over my calorie limit. Anyone have any advice, besides not going out at all? :)

In case it matters, my stats are:

Height: 5'6

Weight: 137lbs

Goal: 125lbs

Is there a reason you're on such a low-calorie diet? 1200 is usually considered the bare minimum, and that's only for completely sedentary people over 21. I think you'd probably be better off increasing your calories to at least 1500 or so and increasing your activity.

In any case, under no circumstances should you eat 800 calories so you can drink 400, especially not regularly. As you said, it'll upset your stomach. Plus, you won't be getting adequate nutrition that day. And the alcohol will go straight to your head on that little food.

I'd recommend you just plan that day as a maintenance day, eat healthy meals, and enjoy your drinks responsibly. Good luck!

I'm not really sure but maybe if you ate 600 cal during the day (of VERY nutritious food) and then when you have your drinks nibble on a little something so you won't be drinking on an empty stomach.  You probably know this already but as a reminder, be careful because i read that alcohol has the potential to slow down your metabolism

Plan a maintenance day? Go to the gym/take an extra long walk or something to add a little more to your daily burn that day?

Eat lighter (more veggies) during the day? You wont be starving, 800-1000 calories in veggies is A LOT.

A rum and diet coke (1.5oz of alcohol) is about 100calories...
Same with any straight liquor and diet soda.

How old are you if you don't mind me asking? College students 21 and under need way more than 1200 calories.

Thank you everyone for your advice!

I'm 22 years old...a super senior :) I actually sit most of the time. I'm either sitting in class, or sitting at home studying. I take the bus to campus, so I just walk between my classes. I go to a Big Ten school, so I walk maybe 1 or 2 miles a day.

I'd suggest that you eat as normally as possible.... 90% of your full calorie allowance.... and treat yourself to a couple of drinks on top.  There are some interesting perils of substituting too much of your food for alcohol in an effort to stay slim as outlined in this article on the subject of 'Drunkorexia'.....

1200 is a very, very low allowance usually more appropriate for people who are very, very small, totally sedentary and middle-aged than people who are 22 and reasonably active.  

Don't do that to yourself. Eat your normal 1200 during the day, probably saving a decent chunk of the calories for the last meal before you start drinking. Allow yourself one night off. 400 calories isn't even that bad for one night a week. It may even help to kick start your metabolism. Plus, if your nightlife scene is anything like mine, you'll be walking all around town in heels all night and maybe even dancing, which will help burn those calories anyway. Don't hurt yourself. Make sure you are eating plenty, especially before you drink.

I'm the same way! I'm 21, and once a week my hubby & I like to have a few beers. I am as well on a 1200 calorie diet, because i CANNOT lose weight if I eat anymore than that. I do intake 1600 cals one day a week. So I just eat my 1200 and then have 400 calories worth of beer, and it does not seem to effect my weight loss at all! I usually eat 800-1000 calories during the day, and then I have 400 calories of beer, and then I allow myself 200-400 calories after I drink, that ensures I dont cheat once I have a few beers in me! Hope this helps!

honestly..I kinda cheat and don't count alcohol calories. I know it's ridiculous, alcohol is pure sugar and is the epitome of empty calories, but with the stress of college & dieting, I like to enjoy a few drinks without the worry.

I obviously don't drink every day (my waist-line AND liver will thank me for that) but if you do an extra work out at the gym or eat better in the day, you should be fine. 

If it's only once a week and you don't go way over your maintenance calories for the day, then I say enjoy yourself.  Some people even encourage going over your weight loss calorie level once a week to keep your metabolism from slowing down.

As long as it's not something like 2,000 calories worth of booze, which I used to do , it's not going to affect your weight loss much at all.

Just don't drink alcohol. Period.

Well if you're going to the bar get out on the dancefloor and seriously bust a move. Dancing burns tons of calories. So eat your normal daily intake of calories then drink low cal alcohalic drinks like light beers or rum and diet coke. But yeah dance like you've never danced before! :P