Alcohol

[Daisy603]

I'm still in Phase 1, so I know it's a no-no right now, but I'm wondering when I can have a drink. I'm a vodka-soda girl... Not really a wine drinker (especially not a fan of red). I'm going on a cruise at the end of March, and I know I will cheat a bit, but I don't want to overdo it and undo any progress I've made. I'm on day 4, and already my sugar/bad carb cravings have diminished greatly.

[RedRox]

You can reintroduce alcoholic beverages beginning in P2. Vodka & soda is fine as long as the soda is sugar free. Something like a calorie free flavored sparkling water might work. The recommendation is a drink with dinner for women. As I like to say, the problem with alcohol is the alcohol itself and the way it is absorbed and affects blood sugars directly. And it's all empty calories as well so kind of a double whammy. Enjoy the cruise, enjoy in moderation as much as you can and you can always get back into full SB mode when you get back!

[Daisy603]

Thanks very much! I always use seltzer water and a squeeze of lemon. Even when I'm not dieting, I'm always pretty aware of empty calories. I'm still getting pretty bad headaches at night (These started day one- I am currently on day 5). During the days I am great, but around 9 PM, the headaches start. I'm not having any cravings, just withdrawals, I guess As much as I'm looking forward to a drink in Phase 2, I really don't want to screw with my blood sugar at this point!!!

[RedRox]

Have you tried a glass of milk when the headaches start? You are allowed up to 2 cups of allowed types of dairy daily and the sugars in the dairy often help with headaches and overall energy levels as well.

Are you giving up all caffeinated beverages if you had them in your diet previously? You are allowed up to 2 servings of caffeinated beverages daily. Sometimes people take all caffeine out of their diets and experience headaches as a result.

Are you having an evening snack 2-3 hours after dinner at all? You should be eating a healthy snack or meal every 2-3 hours while you are awake. Having an evening snack helps keep blood sugars more stable overnight as well. There is no "no eating after a certain time" rule on SB!

[Daisy603]

Overall, I have been eating extremely well, but I haven't been drinking milk or eating yogurt. I will definitely try a glass of milk if I get a headache tonight. The only milk I get is the 1% milk I use in my 2 cups of coffee in the morning, which probably works out to 1/4 cup...

As for snacking, I was eating 30 pistachios as a substitute for the crunchy popcorn I enjoyed almost on a nightly basis. I recently discovered the chocolate peanut butter "ice cream" (melted down no-sugar added Fudgsicle, sugar-free Cool Whip, and 1Tbsp of all-natural PB). I refreeze it, so it takes a long time to eat, and I've really been enjoying it! I eat no other "sweets" during the day, so this is a nice night time treat!

Thanks for the tips- I'll give the milk a try if I get another headache tonight!

[RedRox]

nothing wrong with the SB PB cup dessert, but just a caution that a sweet treat and a healthy snack are somewhat different! The PB is really the only real food in the treat. You may just be needing more carbs! But sounds like you have a good handle on things in general!

[Kimboroni]

I know this thread is a couple of months old, but since it's been bumped up (by a now deleted spam post)....

I would say to get in your 2 cups of dairy earlier in the day as a preemptive strike against a possible headache, rather than waiting for the headache and then trying to fix it with milk. Also get in all of your veggies daily, including some beans/legumes.

For the PB cup dessert, you can put in plain yogurt instead of or in addition to the Cool Whip. It will give it more substance and sustenance.

[shezzie81]

This is my first day. I am so accustomed to having a glass of wine or something at the end of the day, this is very hard habit to break. Not being able to have drinks with friends for two weeks will be challenging. But I just finished taking some biki shots so that should be motivation enough. Urgh

[SBMiss]

Yeah, it can be very difficult in the beginning, but it gets easier. Just hang in there! And remenber you can still go out with your friends and have a non-alcoholic drink.

[Gogo121]

I know how you feel about the alcohol introduction back into your diet, I have found I get drunk a lot faster now than I used to, don't know if it's because I have lost some weight and so there isnt as much fat as there used to be in my body,or anything else. But I don't spend as much money anymore on nights out (which I hardly have anymore) or whilst on holiday.
I really don't like red wine either, it's supposed to be good for your heart but staines your teeth, and it can be calorific, definately not my WOE anymore (fingers crossed it remains!)How was the cruise?I am thinking of booking one in October,I don't know what the prices are like,which website did you book yours from? I had a look on [commercial link deleted] and their prices seem pretty competetive, just wondering if there is anything cheaper out there? Anyway,it's friday today so will be going out and having my usual Vodka-soda and lime cordial (just a drop!)

[Emma2000]

I believe one drink in a long while can't hurt anyway...

[Magna]

I believe one drink in a long while can't hurt anyway...

I'm not sure what time frame you had in mind, but phase 1 only lasts two weeks.