That is true but sometimes I just get so tired of my weight loss goals dictating everything I do. Yes I want to be healthy and fit....but I don't think that one has to be unhappy while doing it. I hear from so many people time and time again how miserable "dieting" is and how it's so hard mentally and emotionally and I just won't accept that for myself. I don't see myself on a "diet," I see myself living like this for the rest of my life, therefor I HAVE to be happy and satisfied with the way I'm living! I enjoy my nights out and I will continue to enjoy my nights out because it's just what I do!! :D

haha girl you crack me up!

I went to a party this weekend, first time to drink really since I got serious about losing weight, and while I kept my alcohol calories in check (3 bottles of michelob ultra, I had planned to limit myself to 4), I ended up snacking on pizza and brownies without a thought about the calories. I was so upset with myself the next day. Personally, I'm going to make an effort to not drink while I'm trying to lose weight, I don't enjoy it enough to make it worth the potential problems I run into. I applaud those who are able to do it though!

Oh girl, I understand completely! Like I said,I went from partying quite a bit to only once or twice a week now. I feel the same way as you: This shouldn't be "DEATH" This is just life- there's no reason to live without the things you like the most. And for me is my margaritas and cats. :D LOL! But I did limit myself to only drinking once or twice a week and I still feel satisfied, and I still get my alcohol cravings in. I've come to appreciate it so much more! Too bad you didn't live in Arizona...we could go out together! :D

I read some information in Women's Health (womenshealthmag.com) about the effects of alcohol on your diet, and it's really not good. You're better off trying to just go without it than even limit yourself to one. I haven't had a drink since the 5th of jan, and we go out with friends 1-3 times a week. IT'S SOOOO HARD to start with. Last night wasn't too terrible it's getting better as time goes on. I told the bartender/owner a while ago when she asked why i wasn't drinking that i was on a diet, and was really trying to stick with it this time, and now whenever i show up she pours me a water and tells me i'm looking better. I think it's better to just be honest...who knows maybe it'll spark some healthier choices in those that hang around you. However.....there's always a however....i'm going out for my friends bday this weekend and i may have a cocktail...otherwise i'm not planning to have anything until my trip to Cozumel in March.....Good luck girls...you can do it!:hug:

A friend I just asked advised me to eat very lightly two days before I go out and drinks lots of water, and then an hour before going out eat a well-balanced meal. Then for the next two days massively up the water intake to flush out my system and be strict about what I put in my mouth and if I can't follow these rules, stay in the next time I really want to go out. Any thoughts on a ritual like this or do you have your own ritual if you know you are going out?

my "ritual" only involves at least 2 glasses of water before I go to bed....but it has nothing to do with my weight loss, it's just so I won't feel hung over the next morning!! :D

When I go out to a bar, I try to get something low calorie, or something that I will sip, as opposed to a fruity girly drink that's gone in 10 minutes!! I don't go to places that have snacks set out, or even an open kitchen!!