alcohol and weight loss

Does anyone think it is possible to still lose weight and go to the bar drinking once a week? If so what is a good low calorie drink that you would suggest? I don't want to give up going to the bar on my one night out but I drink white russians and they are really bad for you. I need any ideas that are out there........

I would NOT be on a diet if I had to give up my wine!  Ha ha.  My husband and I used to drink moderately during the week (he'd come home from work and have a beer etc.) but when we started this diet, we decided NO ALCOHOL during the week!  Then we just factor it into our calories.  As long as we don't go over, we can have a few drinks.  Light beer is about 110 calories per can and white wine (what I drink) is about 70-90 calories per drink.  I know that's not the funnest drink at the bar, but if you want to lose weight, those are good ones to try.

The only suggestion I have is a very unpopular one.  I suggest drinking not be an activity, since contrary to popular belief, it isn't one.  Of course, this comes from a person who's refused to drink alcohol for 33 years & counting.  Maybe if you happened to have a glass or two of something like wine, which at least has health benefits, rather than "go out drinking" (an expression I've hated for a lifetime) it might help you stick to your plan.

As I said.  My view will never be the popular one on this. 

I too am a moderate drinker, and have lost almost 50 pounds since January, so you def do NOT have to give up alcohol to lose. I occasionally have a drink or two in the eves (usually red wine or boubon mixed w/diet pepsi), but try to save my "drinking calories" for social events (which in my circle of friends is at least once a week). One good low cal (and low carb, too) drink is vodka with diet flavored sparkling water or diet sodas, like sprite. If you're only drinking once a week, I'd say just limit yourself to two or three drinks, and try to fit those calories into your daily allowance. I average between 1200 to 1500 cals per day, and drinking days def lean towards the top of that of that average. Good luck!

When you're out at the bar, order your drink, then have a water or diet pop, then another drink, etc.... so you wont consume as much booze

Your are better off drinking fremented drinks like wine and beer because they still contain most of the nutrients from the grain or fruit that they are made from.  A good low cal beer is Beck's Light at only 64 cals per 12 ounce bottle.

Alcohol inhibits Leptin. Leptin helps to keep hunger and appetite in check. Even one drink can have a negative effect on your eating. :(

The drink, water, drink, water idea is a good one. 

In college I gained some weight from drinking, however, I assume that this was at least in part due to the fact that we would usually stop to grab some food on the way home after drinking (not usually healthy food either).  When I decided to lose weight I didn't want to stop drinking entirely because I knew that I wouldn't keep that up since frankly, I enjoy a drink now and then with friends.  It is possible to lose the weight anyway, I lost 30 lbs without giving it up entirely.  However, I did cut back and I have spent many nights out with friends as the DD so I still get the social aspect but not the empty cals and my friends get a safe ride home.  Oh yeah, that and it's waaaaaay cheaper :)

I am all about diet coke & rum. All you're worrying about then is the 60 or so calories in the rum.

I like greyhounds...vodka and grapefruit juice and I drink a large glass of water with every drink I consume.

Diet coke and rum is the ticket thats all i drink i still get the buzz without all the calories. Deffinately stay away from whit russians.

I am currently half way through my weight loss adventure.  I cut out alcohol entiirely.  Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, and therefore increases your food intake and increases your appetite.  If you are having trouble losing weight then give it up.  

My roommate and I drink an average of a bottle of wine a night and i have lost 14 lbs so far.  I probably go all out one night a weekend as well.  Usually beer and jager bombs.  However, I am not a drunk eater.  And I like to dance....A LOT.  :) 

Ugh...alcohol is the one thing that has kept me fat.  I've decided to completely cut it out (I decided just this weekend after I realized that my weight continues to creep upwards) alcohol for the next few months while I slim down.  I'll continue to go out with my friends but just drink a club soda with lime instead. 

I don't think you have to cut it out entirely but you do have to severely limit it.  I used to get TRASHED and now I think about the calories....ugh....

Try flavored Vodka and club soda.  I think its pretty tastey and low cal.  I've heard the clear liquors are the way to go.  although, Drink Slowly!  or you could be in trouble ;)