21 Is the Deadliest Number…

This year I turned the age that I had been waiting to be for ages now; lucky 21. I was excited for the new atmosphere the bars would bring to my nightlife, and let me tell you they are AWESOME!  But, being 21 comes with some consequences: we are consuming empty, yet delicious, calories that are causing us to gain weight! What the hell! However, fear no more; here are a few tips that I have been trying to follow to avoid the weight gain that comes with being a 21 year old.

DON’T DRINK. I know, I know this probably isn’t going to be the favorite tip but it’s true.  As I previously stated, alcohol is full of empty calories that go straight to our gut.  I’m not saying to give up drinking, but simply volunteer to be the designated driver to cut back on the calories.  You can still have fun going out with friends without drinking (remember that thing called childhood?).

EXERCISE! The day after a rough night out is usually one spent in bed nursing a hangover.  Well soldier tough it up and go do some type of cardio!  Even if you can only manage walking, put that treadmill to hills and it will be like running a mile.  Or, try working out before you go out.  You’re still getting in some form of exercise before you drink it all away.

DANCE. This may appeal to more of the ladies, but I know a decent amount of guys that like to dance when they go out (yes, they’re straight).  Think about it, you’re burning calories as you drink and you have a great time.

DRINK WATER. I know it’s no fun to order a water at the bar, but ordering that water in between drinks will not only make you drink less while still getting drunk, it will help prevent a hangover the next morning.  Also drink multiple glasses before you go out and some when you get home, trust me, it helps cleanse your system of alcohol.

SKIP THE BEER. I love beer.  I will take it over vodka and other hard liquors any day but let’s face it, beer has a higher calorie content.  Recently, thanks to one of my girlfriends who have gotten me hooked, I have been ordering vodka tonics.  Not as good as say a pint of Guinness, but still delicious and healthier.  Also, keep in mind that fruity drinks have tons of sugar in them, which cancels out ordering something with less carbs.

NO DRUNK FOOD. Yes, many of the excess calories will come from the amount of alcohol you’ve consumed, but how many times have you returned home only to order a pizza, make chef Boyardee and a whole bag of chips? Yeah, too many to count.  Skip it.

Bueno suerte amigos!

-Colleen