Week after week friends complain to me that they “can’t lose weight,” that they are doing “EVERYTHING!” and their weight just won’t budge.  These same people go out and drink five or more drinks at least one to two nights a week.  You might think–what’s the harm in a little social drinking?  You should be allowed at least one “cheat” day a week where you can eat and drink whatever you want, right?

Alcohol contains calories (I promise—all alcohol contains calories!), 7 calories per gram to be exact and they add up quickly.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites that the average alcoholic beverage is 13.7 grams, or about 96 calories.

In addition to drinking alcohol, you must consider the food choices that result from the late night out and the potential hangover the next day that keeps you from hitting the gym.  I think it is safe to make the generalization that most people are not going to choose an apple over pizza, or workout after a heavy night of drinking.  It’s a snowball effect.

Let’s consider a typical night out for the average person with friends:

• 8pm: Makes a drink while waiting for friends to arrive
  • Vodka (one 80 proof shot) + Club Soda = 96 calories

• 9pm-11pm: Friends arrive; Drink socially until its time to go to the bars
  • 3 light beers (12oz each) = 288 calories

• 11pm-1am: Hang out and drink with friends for a few hours
  • 2 light beers (12 oz each) = 192 calories

• 1:30am: Hungry upon arriving home; Share frozen pizza with friends
  • 1/3 of frozen pizza = 300 calories

• Total Calories Consumed Between 8pm-1:30am = 876

Don’t get me wrong—I love to go out and have a good time like everyone else.  However, I know that if I am going to be serious about losing weight then drinking more than a drink a day is not a possibility. Try to find alternatives to going out to bars and stay focused on your goals.  Eventually, it will all fall into place.

Comments may be made on this topic and will be available for viewing upon approval – Please share what you might add to the list of “owing your mother” or your comments on the list – Thanks for your participation in adding humor as well as appreciation for this day and all mothers -

25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.’ If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.’

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.’ You better pray that will come out of the carpet.’

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL. ‘If you don’t wise up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!’

4. My mother taught me LOGIC. ‘Because I said so, that’s why.’

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC. ‘If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going shopping with me.’

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.. ‘Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.’

7. My mother taught me IRONY ‘Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.’

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS. ‘Shut your mouth and eat your dinner.’

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM. ‘Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!’

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA. You’ll sit there until those vegetables are gone.’

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER. ‘This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.’

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY. ‘If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!’

13 My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.’I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.’

14.My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. ‘Stop acting like your father!’

15. My mother taught me about ENVY. ‘There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.’

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION. ‘Just wait until we get home.’

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING. ‘You are going to get it when you get home!’

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE. ‘If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to stick that way.’

19. My mother taught me ESP..’Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?’

20. My mother taught me HUMOR. ‘When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.’

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT. ‘If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.’

22.My mother taught me GENETICS. ‘You’re just like your father.’

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS. ‘Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a stable?’

24. My mother taught me WISDOM. ‘When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.’

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE ‘One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you……..