Anonymous wrote:OP here - yes, I’m having a hard time with alcohol too. As I said, my profession involves lots of networking/socializing and cocktails are definitely part of the drill. I have taken 30 days off in Jan and also did it in the fall. I always feel so much better physically but it feels more awkward in social situations. However, mood, sleep, ability to stay on track with food is noticeably improved when I’m not drinking.

A previous poster noted that I sound crazy AF and honestly I feel that way. I did not think I’d be struggling with these issues at this age in my life. It feels pretty nuts….

You don't sound crazy at all.

I think you need to do less- less cardio and less alcohol. You can become a closet non-drinker like the rest of us mid-40s women sick of the puffy cheeks and sleepless nights.

DP - I drink 3-4 times/week, one to 1.5 drinks/servings of alcohol. Occasionally two drinks in a night. That level doesn’t impact me negatively, but any more than that does, mostly in the form of irritability the next day.

Alcohol metabolism absolutely changes as people age. Also, most people drink way more than they realize, so their 1-2 drinks is more like 3-4 and that’s a lot to drink daily, repeatedly.

If people say, “not drinking today?” You respond, “yup, not today!” Smile and move on. It’s not their business. There are lots of ways to say no.

I do cardio 7 days a week to control my anxiety, heavy lifting 3x a week, and keep my weight at an even keel by avoiding most carbs and eating lots of protein/vegetables. Once you are in your mid-40's and up, it's the fork and the cup, not the exercise! Do as much cardio as you like, as long as you do the weight-lifting and eliminate most of the alcohol, processed carbs from your diet. I'm 52F and never been in better shape!

OP here - yes, I’m having a hard time with alcohol too. As I said, my profession involves lots of networking/socializing and cocktails are definitely part of the drill. I have taken 30 days off in Jan and also did it in the fall. I always feel so much better physically but it feels more awkward in social situations. However, mood, sleep, ability to stay on track with food is noticeably improved when I’m not drinking.

A previous poster noted that I sound crazy AF and honestly I feel that way. I did not think I’d be struggling with these issues at this age in my life. It feels pretty nuts….

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - yes, there has definitely been too much alcohol lately.

For others on this thread, how much/how often do you drink? It is definitely something I am struggling with. I don’t drink on my own—but in social situations have found it tough to say with 1-2 glasses. And I am definitely aware of impact on inhibitions, calories etc.

I also work in an industry that is very alcohol fueled. I do a ton of fake drinking with side water and lime. I’ve been in my industry forever and people know me so if I’m not drinking they will give me crap don’t fake it.

I hardly drink at all now at 45. Why? Because it severely disturbs my sleep, makes me depressed the next day, and my hangover are horrendous. The physical toll it takes on me outweighs the fun I have when I’m buzzed. Alcohol no longer agrees with me. I also don’t think it agrees with you, you just need to listen to what it’s telling you.

In my 40s now and alcohol hates me. I'm finally learning to accept that I'm too old to drink- even small amounts leave me sleepless, anxious, and prone to eating more than I should. I fake it, poorly sometimes, and get called out. What am I doing wrong? How do I fake it effectively? I mostly start by saying I'm dehydrated and need some water and then later ask the waitress to give me sparking water with lime. Sometimes people say, oh, not drinking today? How do I do this more convincingly?

I drink twice a month. Op the alcohol is your issue...

Anonymous wrote:OP here - yes, there has definitely been too much alcohol lately.

For others on this thread, how much/how often do you drink? It is definitely something I am struggling with. I don’t drink on my own—but in social situations have found it tough to say with 1-2 glasses. And I am definitely aware of impact on inhibitions, calories etc.

I also work in an industry that is very alcohol fueled. I do a ton of fake drinking with side water and lime. I’ve been in my industry forever and people know me so if I’m not drinking they will give me crap don’t fake it.

I hardly drink at all now at 45. Why? Because it severely disturbs my sleep, makes me depressed the next day, and my hangover are horrendous. The physical toll it takes on me outweighs the fun I have when I’m buzzed. Alcohol no longer agrees with me. I also don’t think it agrees with you, you just need to listen to what it’s telling you.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - yes, there has definitely been too much alcohol lately.

For others on this thread, how much/how often do you drink? It is definitely something I am struggling with. I don’t drink on my own—but in social situations have found it tough to say with 1-2 glasses. And I am definitely aware of impact on inhibitions, calories etc.

I posted above that I had similar stats. I drink 4 oz, probably half a glass, a few times a week, usually just 3 times a week max. I don’t have the tolerance and it affects my sleep, so I usually don’t drink during the work week.

I also used to do HIIT workouts twice a week and I switched it out with just weights training. Occasionally that workout is a HIIT workout. I found that they leave me tired during the week in that it affects the quality of my runs. Good luck!

OP here - yes, there has definitely been too much alcohol lately.

For others on this thread, how much/how often do you drink? It is definitely something I am struggling with. I don’t drink on my own—but in social situations have found it tough to say with 1-2 glasses. And I am definitely aware of impact on inhibitions, calories etc.

You sound crazy AF

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thank you for everyone’s responses. This is really helpful. For starters, I think it is time to go back to working out 5 days per week instead of 6 (which started during pandemic). I am tired. It’s not enough rest and it’s obviously not actually helping me look/feel better.

I am strength training but I think it is time to check in with a trainer as I feel really inefficient.

I do really enjoy the HIIT/cardio so I think I need to figure out if an extra day of rest helps.

And—yes, there has also been way too much alcohol consumption (I am in a profession where drinking is expected and it has definitely crept up). I am starting week 2 of no alcohol. Hard but feeling better.

For folks that train hard, how many days per week do you train?

You kind of buried the lede. It’s likely the alcohol. Maybe the heavy exercise on top of it.

Very few people in their 40s can drink and not end up puffy. Even 2 drinks has a noticeable effect on my health. Drinking many days in a row means I’m puffy, tired and depressed.

Look into reframe or other apps to help you.

The puffiness makes me think you are drinking a lot of alcohol. Also if you are doing that and working out hard you are burning the candle at both ends. Alcohol destroys sleep quality.

I guess I’m confused by your post. Do you enjoy that much exercise? If so, maybe that’s how your body wants to look. If not, chill out a bit. Swim for 45 minutes, only do one HIIT class a week, so some low key rides/runs.

I work out 5-6 times a week, but mostly because I love being active and it helps my mental health. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t do it so much.

OP here - thank you for everyone’s responses. This is really helpful. For starters, I think it is time to go back to working out 5 days per week instead of 6 (which started during pandemic). I am tired. It’s not enough rest and it’s obviously not actually helping me look/feel better.

I am strength training but I think it is time to check in with a trainer as I feel really inefficient.

I do really enjoy the HIIT/cardio so I think I need to figure out if an extra day of rest helps.

And—yes, there has also been way too much alcohol consumption (I am in a profession where drinking is expected and it has definitely crept up). I am starting week 2 of no alcohol. Hard but feeling better.

For folks that train hard, how many days per week do you train?

Strength training. Way too much cardio.