This weekend tested my temptations and desire to drink beer. On Sunday, my desire got the best of me and I had not one, not two but five beers. After a quick look at my calorie intake, I ended the day 596 calories over budget. This is the direct result of two Pacificos (135 calories each), two Bud Lights (103 calories each) and a Michelob Ultra (95 calories).

I did a little research on the effect of weight loss when you drink alcohol. I read a bunch of articles and blogs, but I thought the best summation came from Liz Noelcke in this article.

Her article states alcohol is a determent to weight loss for the following reasons:

• Alcohol is not metabolized the same way as food
• Alcohol is a diuretic
• Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram and offers No nutritional value

Take a look at her article for a full description of how the above list negatively impacts your chances of weight loss.

I know I can lose the weight, but I must not give into temptation. More specifically, if I give into temptation, I need to only have one or two beers and not go overboard. In fact, I think its okay to give into temptation once in a while. Giving up everything you love will make it difficult to stick to your plan. Just be smart and know that you can only have a smaller amount of what you love.

Alcohol is not good when trying to lose weight. Alcohol is not good when trying to lose weight. I just need to keep telling myself that!