Bootcamp Q & A

Lose the Booze

Q: With all the last-minute stressors as my wedding approaches, I need a glass of wine or a good stiff drink at night to help me relax. I know alcohol will get in the way of my weight loss, but what should I do? It's the only thing that calms me down, and I can't be a killjoy at my own parties!

A: Attention, soldier, I'm going to ask you a question. Do you want to look fabulous and have fun at your parties — especially the big one? Do you want to amaze your family and friends with your incredible transformation? Because if you do, you need to lose the booze. You're right — alcohol gets in the way of weight loss. If that wasn't reason enough, think of the headaches, sleep disruption, dehydration, and flushed skin you'll have. Not a pretty picture, eh?

When you're at home wallowing in wedding worries, you don't need alcohol to soothe you. It doesn't calm you down, just sets you up for more stress. Instead, relax in a hot bath, curl up with a good book, drink some herbal tea, or take a walk with your hubby-to-be — or any other peaceful activity that allows you to retreat from your stressful day. This will release some of that pent-up tension so you feel calmer and more energized and sleep better at night (dark circles under your eyes begone!).

Before you head out for a night on the town, eat a green apple and drink some seltzer water to fill up. And when you get there, just say no to shots and mixed drinks with fruity concoctions unless you want a ton of added sugar and extra calories. For special occasions, I will allow you to indulge in one to two drinks — as long as you limit yourself to one ounce of distilled spirits (like vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey) mixed with diet or club soda, or six ounces of wine.

Drink as much water as you can, especially betweenalcoholic drinks, to keep you hydrated and prevent flushed skin. Oh, and if you're nervous about peer pressure, have the bartender add a slice of lime to your seltzer and — voilà! No one will know you're not drinking a vodka tonic on the rocks!

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