so i like to drink

and my wieght gain the past couple years definitly has to do with my love for beer.

what are some tips on maintaining my social life and enjoying some drinks but still watching my calorie count?

The 'tip' is to understand that you don't need a drink to enjoy yourself.  It's one of those rite of passage moments, if you like.  Growing up.   The suggestion I'd give you is to go just one week without drinking any alcohol at all.   A week isn't a particularly long time but it's long enough for you to find alternative drinks and still participate in your social-life.  Unfortunately, one side-effect of going out and not drinking is that you can discover that your friends are actually really, really dull.  LOL! 

If you can prove to yourself that you can have fun without drinking you'll feel happier about drinking less in the future.  Alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of water or diet sodas.  Drink slower.  All of those kinds of things.

Original Post by mvmchick:

and my wieght gain the past couple years definitly has to do with my love for beer.

what are some tips on maintaining my social life and enjoying some drinks but still watching my calorie count?

I struggle with this as well. I have however been able to lose weight and maintain it while still having a social life (that includes drinking). My one piece of advice to you is to plan ahead and budget your "beer calories". For example, on days that I know I will be having drinks with friends, I factor in how many calories I plan to consume that evening. I have also switched from drinking sugary mixed drinks (which you never said you drink) to wine and having my drinks made with sugar free red bull. In addition, I have grown to like some of the light beers that are out there. The thing to remember is that if you are seeking a lifestyle change you will have to make adjustments (maybe having two beers not ten). I wish you the best of luck, after I if I can do it, you can too!!! 

I have the same problem i like to go out at the weekend, i swapped beer/cider/alcopops for wine or spirits with diet mixers.. i have lost 3 stone and still managed to have my nights out at the weekend... i just try and go to he gym during that day.. oh and careful drinking doesnt lead to getting takeways or over eating! Alcohol can have that effect..! :-)