Looking at the numbers, it seems that most people participating in this site have done very well with low-carb diets (and I certainly hope to be one of you soon!!). Just two questions from this newbie to the group:

1. Most books about dieting seem to recommend a moderate amount of red wine with dinner -- what is the real limit, and what effect would my partner sharing 1-2 bottles over dinner (regularly) have on the overall plan? (my partner does not need to diet, but out of solidarity has decided to give up most carbs when we eat at home... red wine, however, would be difficult for both of us to give up!).

2. Those people for whom drinking is part of the business lifestyle, what is the safest alcoholic beverage to drink (with regards to low carb diets) while at the negociating table?

Thank you so much in advance for any advice that you can offer!

Kind regards,

David

Don't drink, myself. Read enough on here to know that:

Wine will slow your weightloss. Your choice after that--is it worth it, how much do you want to lose, how fast? But comparing two equivalent food plans, one getting some carbs from wine and one getting "normal" carbs, equivalent everything else (which is of course impossible), the non-drinker will lose faster.

In a business situation--TEST FIRST. MANY LCers report vastly enhanced effects from MUCH less alcohol than would have been safe previously.

And then again: One never HAS to drink. Most people don't notice what's in your hand anyway, and you can always say, "My doctor told me to cut back for a bit... " or whatever works. We're almost in Lent, right? That's good for six weeks, which ought to give you enough time to study the problem at home before you have to risk a business deal over it.

I don't have my facts 100% straight -- but it goes something like this.

Your body has a preference for using things as sources of energy. High glycemic Carbohydrates and alcohol are your body's favorite sources of energy. Stored fat (what you are trying to get rid of) is harder for your body to use.

In other words, your body will burn all the carbohydrates and alcohol first. If it does not get enough energy out of those THEN it will start burning stored fat. So the fewer carbs and alcohol you consume -- the more fat your body will have to burn.