Drinking & Dieting

I’ve kicked myself in the butt a few times this year by partaking a bit too much in the spirits.  Obviously, my doctor cautioned upon starting this journey to cut back on alcohol.  I’m not a big drinker so it’s not a concern, but this year has been filled with weddings, bachelorette parties, celebrations and vacations.  It’s not the choices that are the difficult part, it’s the recovery!  I’ve taken the time to educate myself on the best options for me to order when out at a bar, however, the next day can be brutal.  The worst part about drinking and dieting is not being able to swing by KFC or Dominos the next day to let carbs cure what ails.  In college, my roommate and I would go to Publix every NFL Sunday (after a night out of course) to get breaded, fried chicken wings, an entire bottle of ranch and King’s Hawaiian rolls.  Not to mention that terrible habit we started of going on McDonalds runs on the way home from parties for McChicken sandwiches and French fries.  Oh, and we can’t forget all the pizzas I’ve ordered at 2 a.m.  We’re not even talking good pizza here, people.  I’m talking the kind that is cheap and only tastes good with a buzz.  Drinking and eating usually go hand in hand, which is why I suspect they really tell you to limit alcohol!  I, knock on wood, have not yet succumb to the hangover voice in my head that wants mashed potatoes and will continue to suffer until I learn my lesson. 

Prepping for a night out used to be a hammered-down routine.  Aside from the makeup application, outfit choosing and pre-drinking, we would also carb-load in order to help one hold their liquor.  Now-a-days, my chicken Caesar salad isn’t going to help keep my captain and diets from being absorbed any quicker.  This is where hydration is key.  I try my best to practice the one-for-one rule but sometimes you get distracted dancing.  In college, I used to be able to drink with some heavy hitters but times have changed.  Not only am I older, and technically an adult, but I cut out beer and eat smaller dinners thus making me more susceptible to being a light weight.  On a recent night out, I couldn’t figure out at what point in the evening I was hit by a bus.  When you factor in my early/light dinner, liquor drinks, late-night and tons of dancing all combine to needing sunglasses to open the refrigerator on Sunday.

The moral of the story, dear readers, is that drinking heavily and dieting do not mix.  Sure, you can enjoy an adult beverage here and there (if your ID allows you to!) but remember to stay hydrated, make the best choices, don’t over consume and always, always, always have a designated driver, which applies to you non-dieters, too!  Trust me, it’s not worth the carb-temptation challenge or headache.

Cheers!