[Scarlett]

I love the SBD, it really controlls my cravings, I actually like most of the food I eat and in general don't have problems sticking with the plan. My regular diet consists of 90-95% phase 1 foods with maybe an apple or a few extra low sugar treats thrown in. I am shocked to say that I don't even think about eating sweets anymore...the other day my room mate offered me a cupcake and I wasn't even tempted, it sat out on the counter for 3-4 days before she finally got rid of it and it didn't bother me.

My one downfall with this diet is ALCHOL. I know that alchol is pretty much the worst thing you can have when trying to lose weight, it pretty much turns right to fat. It isn't a part of any healthy eating plan. I just flat out love to drink. I'm a college student and had a crazy week last week where I went out Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights Sat and tues were particularly bad because I started at 6-7 each night and drank until around 2am. When I go out I almost always end up getting "drunk food" mainly pizza, but this is really the only time I eat non-sbd food. Strangely enough all the time I have no problem getting up the next morning, having some quiche cups and V8 and getting right back on plan. The cravings don't return after a night of pizza and booze. I also miracuralously did not gain any weight last week (didn't loose any either).

[JerseyGirrl]

College and binge drinking was a poisonous combo for me. The binge drinking and "drunk food" in addition to the convenience of drive-thru's and unhealthy campus food did quite a number on me. I was in school full time and working 3 jobs to pay for it so when the weekend came I thought "hey I work hard I deserve to get trashed." If I could do it all over again differently, I would in a heartbeat.
I don't know how you wake up after drinking and not have cravings. You are a lucky one! Occasionally, I will indulge in alcohol but I wake up like a ravenous beast. All I want is carbs all day long.
Telling you not to drink at all is a little unrealistic. I would say just to limit your consumption and how often you drink. Make sure you drink a glass of water in between drinks. Starting out at 6 and drinking until 2 AM is pretty dangerous. I'd be afraid of alcohol poisoning. Also, one of my biggest downfalls was drinking too quickly. I would think I wasn't drunk or even buzzed yet and order another drink when it really wasn't necessary. Slow down, allow your body to process the drink, give yourself time between drinks and you will drink a lot less. Definetly stay away from the sugary drinks and beer. I know it isn't too appealing for college students, but when possible opt for wine and enjoy slowly. I'm sure I will get jumped on for my advice, but I know if people tell you to not drink all together it will probably just make you want to do it more.

[rdw1]

wow- did I just make those posts- I can totally relate to both of them--- you both sound like me! back when I was working 3 jobs and thought the exact same thing- I desrve to spend my money like I want to! what a waste~!

Well, my advice is this- and I am just now trying this myself. 2 weeks-no alcohol. CLEAN phase 1. I still don't know my results- today is just day 1 for me. I have always done well except for alcohol. I have decided this is probably the main cause of me not losing or losing very slowly- If you can't do that I would think it be best for you to slow way down and definitely drink a glass of water between drinks. best of luck- If you wanna challenge yourself with me feel free!

[Schmoodle]

Do you like wine? It can be part of the SB plan. Two 4-oz glasses of red wine/day are allowed. If you can stretch this out over the evening, maybe stretch it farther by having them in a spritzer, and having seltzer water in-between. I don't know if you are trying to maintain or trying to lose. If you are just trying to maintain, your current method may work for you. If you want to lose, you'll probably have to try to curb it.
I agree that the alcohol is not good for weight loss unless in moderation, but I think the main problem here is if you are drinking beer, or having mixed drinks, there are a lot of calories and sugars in the mixers usually, and then there are the things you want to munch along with it. Good luck!

[Scarlett]

I like wine, it's the moderation thing I have a problem with. I'm going to try and cut down a little bit, I need to have a "serious week" and get some school work done. I also need to drink a little less and not get food when I do go out (pack cheese sticks in my purse or somthing). I think next time I will drink more water and only get tipsy rather than drunk. I know alchol is not a part of SBD but I have to be realistic. It is better to eat mostly phase 1 food 80% of the time, then to just give up because it's not realistic for me to follow the plan perfectly.

[beachgal]

Scarlett, I'm going to sound like a good-two-shoes here, sorry! I'm not a big drinker and never have been, but I had an awesome college experience. I don't think I drank anything outside of the odd glass of wine at home (i.e. with my parents, when I visited) during dinner until my senior year, when I turned 21. Even then, I don't think I ever had more than one drink a week. I had a great time, though. It's easy enough to make sure you always have a diet soda in your hand so you don't have to take anyone up on anything.

Not only is beer the most likely culprit of sugar cravings, but I have a hard enough time staying away from off-plan food. I don't need any help losing my inhibitions about it!

If you feel you need to keep drinking as a part of your way of life for now, you might consider doing Weight Watchers so you can have all kinds of alcohol, though they'll make you limit your intake overall as well.

The truth is, you started an eating plan, I assume, because you felt you needed to make some changes in your eating and your health. This is one of those changes, and it sounds like you already know it. If you want to be healthy and lose weight or even maintain a healthy weight, you're going to have to limit your drinking to no more than 2 drinks a night and stay away from things like beer and some hard liquor. It just depends on what you find important.

[KO]

If you want a non drink that looks like one so you don't get bothered Seltzer and a slice of lime or even better diet tonic can be just about anything or get your wine in a spritzer.

Have a drink if you want oen but having a smart game plan for the whole night means you can have fun but still be in some control