Going on a Bender
 

Back in April-ish, I decided to cut back on my drinking. I would come home one evening and have a glass of wine. Then the next I would have a beer or two. Then the following evening a mixed drink. And although it was only one or two, I found that having a drink 4 - 5 times a week was seriously hindering my weight loss efforts. And it was also effecting my performance at the gym.

So I cut back to only two evenings a week. Then after I while, I found I didn't miss it and would sometimes only have a drink one night a week... sometimes none at all.

I have been joking that I am going to go on a bender starting this Saturday August 28th. Not really a bender... just that my plan was to have a drink each evening if I wanted. In the next two weeks I have my sister's Bachelorette party, my birthday, a weekend away with friends (think swimming, jello shots, beer pong and my son visiting with his aunt so we can have a night off), a week off from work and then my sister's bridal shower (with a wine tasting theme).

BUT... I entered this stupid contest at the gym. (ok... so it isn't stupid) and I have been working out so much. And my running is improving. I have been working hard on my arms and back (gotta look good in that brides maid dress). And... well... now... I kinda think I want to contiue with not drinking so much. And to be super-careful with what I eat at these parties, too.

EEK! What HAS HAPPENED TO ME??

:) Sounds like your priorities have shifted to healthier options. YAY!!!!!

I used to drink a lot of calories also in a similar manner. When I lost my job in May I found I actually felt less stressed and pretty much entirely cut out the nearly daily glass of wine (or two). I feel so much better and have lost a bunch of weight. However, I still kind of miss it. Like I miss cookies. I guess both of those things are soothing to me but I would consistently over do it and gain weight. Really, for me, it is just easier to forbid myself from drinking in most situations. (I have not totally cut it out by any means but way, way less).

Other than the occassional glass of wine, I find that alcohol calories aren't really worth it. Also, since I very rarely drink, I get a hangover from two glasses of wine. Ugh.

Ha! I know what you mean! We are going to a birthday party this weekend for a girl who will be 8 years old. It's at a restaurant and I am already planning what I will eat. From talking with the girl's mom, I know she is planning to bring cupcakes to the restaurant and at first I thought "perfect - portion control!" But then I realized they will probably come from a grocery store bakery and be full of yucky stuff. So I have decided I will pass unless they are home made. But then it occurred to me ... I have read the ingredients on cake mix boxes and "home made" isn't any better, so I think I will pass completely, unless made from scratch. I love (or used to love, I guess) cake. What is wrong with me???

LOL! I am the SAME way! I figure if I am going to eat something, the calories should be worth it. A store bought cupcake = not worth it. A home-made-from-scratch cupcake = totally worth it. Brownies = too common, therefore not worth it. Homemade brownie with layer of frosting, then layer of crispy chocolate that my aunt makes = WORTH IT.

Luckily, I don't come across desserts that are "worth it" so often anymore.

Agree!

Makes the store-bought cookies in the break room today much easier to resist.