Off Topic Alcohol Consumption

[Oldsparkey]

How much do you put away in a week? Do you know the official limits and more to the point, your own?

Well the recommended intake for a bloke is 14 units a week but how the hell do they work that out? Different sizes and shapes abound. I've just done the maths for me and mine comes out at around 44. Made up of on average.........

1. Sharing a bottle of wine with two others each evening with dinner (average 10 units per bottle) - that's about 24 units a week for me personally.

2. Occasional 330ml bottle of beer (1.7 units) at home in the afternoons at this time of the year (don't both to go to the pub these days even if I could) account for say another 10 units. Must say in the summer that could easily treble or more.

3. Once again at this time of the year a single malt (or two) as and when I feel like it in the evenings after dinner. A bottle of Winters Gold (about 40 units) lasts me about a month so that's another 10 units a week on average.

Seems unhealthy on the advised figures but what do you think?

I'm 6ft and weigh in at about 78 kilos. My BMI comes out at a reasonably good 23.2. I feel on top from, but am I only fooling myself?

 

[DaiJones]

I drink either bottle SA gold 500ml (2.4 units per bottle) or 1 pint can of Budweiser (2.6 unit per can)

so 4 cans a night will give around 10 units a night.

I tend to enjoy a bottle of single malt at least every month. ( I would drink that in 2 or 3 nights but no beer or lager )

I'm just over 5 foot 8 inch and about 90 to 95 kilos.

I must admit that my amount of Alcohol has gone up since my smoking stopped 12 years ago.

 

[LIBERTARIAN]

How much do you put away in a week? Do you know the official limits and more to the point, your own?

Well the recommended intake for a bloke is 14 units a week but how the hell do they work that out? Different sizes and shapes abound. I've just done the maths for me and mine comes out at around 44. Made up of on average.........

1. Sharing a bottle of wine with two others each evening with dinner (average 10 units per bottle) - that's about 24 units a week for me personally.

2. Occasional 330ml bottle of beer (1.7 units) at home in the afternoons at this time of the year (don't both to go to the pub these days even if I could) account for say another 10 units. Must say in the summer that could easily treble or more.

3. Once again at this time of the year a single malt (or two) as and when I feel like it in the evenings after dinner. A bottle of Winters Gold (about 40 units) lasts me about a month so that's another 10 units a week on average.

Seems unhealthy on the advised figures but what do you think?

I'm 6ft and weigh in at about 78 kilos. My BMI comes out at a reasonably good 23.2. I feel on top from, but am I only fooling myself?

Well, you asked the question, and the answer is YES. None of my business, but your alcohol intake is excessive. You cannot actually see the damage you are inflicting, if you could, you would quit.

I was a team member involved with an alcohol related programme during a spell with the Probation Service in Cardiff. It was a real eye opener. I no longer drink any alcohol.

Whilst 14 units is just a guideline, it's generally accepted by the medical profession. Try and reduce your intake to that level, or give it up completely.

Your various internal organs will be extremely grateful if you do.

 

[Oldsparkey]

I drink either bottle SA gold 500ml (2.4 units per bottle) or 1 pint can of Budweiser (2.6 unit per can)

so 4 cans a night will give around 10 units a night.

I tend to enjoy a bottle of single malt at least every month. ( I would drink that in 2 or 3 nights but no beer or lager )

I'm just over 5 foot 8 inch and about 90 to 95 kilos.

I must admit that my amount of Alcohol has gone up since my smoking stopped 12 years ago.

Looks like you're a bit "worse" than me Dai - but then that depends on how define "worse" I suppose.

I also might have been a bit optimistic about how long that bottle of Winters Gold last me too. I woudn't polish it off in 2 or 3 nights like you Dai, but thinking about it, it wouldn't last me a month either. Maybe a couple of weeks rather than a month, but that's as well as the rest, not instead of it.

What brought this on is that a guy I know worked out he was on nearly 500 units a week but felt fine. He's cut it right back now to about 150 but says he feels bloody terrible - maybe withdrawal symptoms but I can see him going back to it before long.

Maybe selfish, but I suppose right or wrong it's his life. I just think we all need to be sensible and aware of the consequences for others.

 

[Oldsparkey]

Well, you asked the question, and the answer is YES. None of my business, but your alcohol intake is excessive. You cannot actually see the damage you are inflicting, if you could, you would quit.

I was a team member involved with an alcohol related programme during a spell with the Probation Service in Cardiff. It was a real eye opener. I no longer drink any alcohol.

Whilst 14 units is just a guideline, it's generally accepted by the medical profession. Try and reduce your intake to that level, or give it up completely.

Your various internal organs will be extremely grateful if you do.

Just saw your post Vetch and have no problem with your point of view.

 

[irishbluebird]

Had my last drink 21 years ago. Don't miss it at all and feel much better for it. Vetch makes a very valid point. I replaced alcohol with running and still do a (not)parkrun every week. Aged 70 now, a bit overweight and slowed down quite a bit, but I'm glad that I can still go out and run.

 

[william5551]

I live in France and my doctor recommends I drink a glass of red with a meal every day, ok I may have one or two more than I should but who cares .he also recommends I drink champagne so who am I to complain.just saying.

 

[Oldsparkey]

Had my last drink 21 years ago. Don't miss it at all and feel much better for it. Vetch makes a very valid point. I replaced alcohol with running and still do a (not)parkrun every week. Aged 70 now, a bit overweight and slowed down quite a bit, but I'm glad that I can still go out and run.

Cheers Irish

Just a point. Unless you were drinking excessively, how do you know you feel much better for not drinking now? How can you compare with something you're not doing?

Not being argumentative at all pal, neither am I disputing the "medical advice" that abounds, but being sensible is about getting the best out of life not just getting through it.

Two great blokes I had working for me 20 years ago had different problems - I'll call them Tony and Colin. Tony ate far too much and was very overweight, Colin smoked far too much and looked like death warmed up - his skin had a yellow pallor.

Tony got a severe warning from his doc that he was borderline diabetic and could cope with oral medication, but if he didn't reduce his weight he would undoubtedly have to go on insulin. He crash dieted, lost 3 stone and went from the back slapping joke a minute character to the most miserable bastard you'd ever meet. He recognised this after upsetting a lot of his workmates and became "sensible" about his issues. With moderation, he returned to his former self and enjoyed life again.

Colin gave up the ***s when he was told he had emphysema running in his family and was advised he'd develop it. He put on weight, his complexion returned to "pink" and he became the second most miserable bastard you'd ever meet. He started smoking again returned to his old self and died of emphysema about 5 years back.

Moral of the story? I've no fecking idea except that being "sensible" when you understand the options is the way to go.

 

[DaiJones]

Looks like you're a bit "worse" than me Dai - but then that depends on how define "worse" I suppose.

I also might have been a bit optimistic about how long that bottle of Winters Gold last me too. I woudn't polish it off in 2 or 3 nights like you Dai, but thinking about it, it wouldn't last me a month either. Maybe a couple of weeks rather than a month, but that's as well as the rest, not instead of it.

What brought this on is that a guy I know worked out he was on nearly 500 units a week but felt fine. He's cut it right back now to about 150 but says he feels bloody terrible - maybe withdrawal symptoms but I can see him going back to it before long.

Maybe selfish, but I suppose right or wrong it's his life. I just think we all need to be sensible and aware of the consequences for others.

I blame it on the ice in the Scotch, Sparks.

 

[Oldsparkey]

I blame it on the ice in the Scotch, Sparks.

That's your problem Dai - you're spoiling it with bloody ice!!!

The trouble is it makes you get another one to take away the taste of the water..........

 

[BluefromBridgend]

I'm 66, 95 kilos (probably about 8 kilos overweight but BMI is around 30) and 6 ft 1.

However I run between 15/20 miles a week - not quickly.

I knock off a bottle of red a week (preferably 13/14%), share a bottle of white with Mrs. BfB and have about 4 pints of beer a week, Abbot or Old Peculiar. I guess that's about 25 or so units but I don't track it.

My problem is I'm a foodie, too much bread, cheese, spuds etc. After 2 knee ops 13 years ago I ballooned to 17 stone but managed to drop over 2 stone over 18 months, since put back on half a stone which will get worse over Christmas.

I will do Dry January which helps, a bit. If I could cut down the food calories it would be better.

Vision and hearing deteriorating with age (have had false teeth for 40 years) but heart, lungs and other vital organs (mostly ) in order. Mrs. BfB says my brain is following vision and hearing.

She says if I was a horse she would arrange a last visit to the vets for a single shot appointment.

 

[remote]

Im 56, 6'1 and just weighed in at 15st 11lbs (100.5 kg).
Thats just over a stone over my playing weight.
Don't go in for the BMI scores.
At 15st 4, at a BUPA health check my body fat was inside the normal range though BMI told me I was obese.
Lost a stone in the last year wirhout really trying and feel I could do with shedding another half stone.

On thr drinking front, I try and only drink fridays and saturdays though might break the 'rule' from time to time.
Drink a couple beers and half a bottle of wine on each of those days
Summer time might see a double G&T or 2 through the week. Bought a measure as I realised i was putting 4 or 5 measures in each.
At least once a year I have a dry month.
Christmas I will have a drink most days for a week or so.
Probably drink more than is recomended, but I'm comfortable with that.

One thing I will say is I drink 4 to 6 pints of water a day. Helps flush everything through.

 

[Oldsparkey]

On thr drinking front, I try and only drink fridays and saturdays though might break the 'rule' from time to time.
Drink a couple beers and half a bottle of wine on each of those days
Summer time might see a double G&T or 2 through the week. Bought a measure as I realised i was putting 4 or 5 measures in each.
At least once a year I have a dry month.
Christmas I will have a drink most days for a week or so.
Probably drink more than is recomended, but I'm comfortable with that.

One thing I will say is I drink 4 to 6 pints of water a day. Helps flush everything through.

That's the spirit remote! (Forgive the pun )

Funny thing that about drinking water. I can drink a couple of litres of water and not look at a bog for hours, but if I have a bottle of beer, it goes straight through and I need a leak PDQ.

Maybe something to do with alcohol being a diuretic but it can be embarrassing squirming around in company - especially when the wife shouts "where are you going again?"

 

[irishbluebird]

Cheers Irish

Just a point. Unless you were drinking excessively, how do you know you feel much better for not drinking now? How can you compare with something you're not doing?

Not being argumentative at all pal, neither am I disputing the "medical advice" that abounds, but being sensible is about getting the best out of life not just getting through it.

Two great blokes I had working for me 20 years ago had different problems - I'll call them Tony and Colin. Tony ate far too much and was very overweight, Colin smoked far too much and looked like death warmed up - his skin had a yellow pallor.

Tony got a severe warning from his doc that he was borderline diabetic and could cope with oral medication, but if he didn't reduce his weight he would undoubtedly have to go on insulin. He crash dieted, lost 3 stone and went from the back slapping joke a minute character to the most miserable bastard you'd ever meet. He recognised this after upsetting a lot of his workmates and became "sensible" about his issues. With moderation, he returned to his former self and enjoyed life again.

Colin gave up the ***s when he was told he had emphysema running in his family and was advised he'd develop it. He put on weight, his complexion returned to "pink" and he became the second most miserable bastard you'd ever meet. He started smoking again returned to his old self and died of emphysema about 5 years back.

Moral of the story? I've no fecking idea except that being "sensible" when you understand the options is the way to go.

Well Sparkey. There's those who can take a drink or leave it and those who after years of excessive drinking become dependent on it. I fall into the latter category and my choice was either stop drinking or it would kill me. Literally.
I went to counselling, stopped the drink ,and at the age of 55 went to university for the first time in my life to do a post graduate diploma in therapeutic counselling. I graduated from the University of Wales, Newport and I was able to go into counselling practice and help others with alcohol related concerns as well as other psychological issues. I've retired from that now but some of my clients still keep in touch.
So to address your point I know I feel better without drinking because I remember how mentally and physically scarred I was when I was on the bottle and I never want to go back there again. I still go the pub sometimes (if they are open!!) with friends or family and I'm more than happy with a sparkling water.

 

[Oldsparkey]

Well Sparkey. There's those who can take a drink or leave it and those who after years of excessive drinking become dependent on it. I fall into the latter category and my choice was either stop drinking or it would kill me. Literally.
I went to counselling, stopped the drink ,and at the age of 55 went to university for the first time in my life to do a post graduate diploma in therapeutic counselling. I graduated from the University of Wales, Newport and I was able to go into counselling practice and help others with alcohol related concerns as well as other psychological issues. I've retired from that now but some of my clients still keep in touch.
So to address your point I know I feel better without drinking because I remember how mentally and physically scarred I was when I was on the bottle and I never want to go back there again. I still go the pub sometimes (if they are open!!) with friends or family and I'm more than happy with a sparkling water.

Fantastic Irish!

You've answered my question perfectly and honestly........

 

[irishbluebird]

Fantastic Irish!

You've answered my question perfectly and honestly........

Thank you Sparkey. I really don't mind baring my soul if it helps anyone.

 

[Oldsparkey]

Thank you Sparkey. I really don't mind baring my soul if it helps anyone.

No problem Irish.

Baring your soul on here is fair enough, but don't bare anything else - Masky may be watching.....

 

[irishbluebird]

 

[remote]

That's the spirit remote! (Forgive the pun )

Funny thing that about drinking water. I can drink a couple of litres of water and not look at a bog for hours, but if I have a bottle of beer, it goes straight through and I need a leak PDQ.

Maybe something to do with alcohol being a diuretic but it can be embarrassing squirming around in company - especially when the wife shouts "where are you going again?"

I used to be able to drink half a dozen pints before a pee.
Not like that any more.

I must admit to getting bored by alcohol occasionally, which is when I have a month of abstinence.

I suppose the sobering thing (hmm, another pun) was when the guy who was my best man died in his 30s. Death certificate said pneumonia, but it was drink that got him.
There but for the grace of god.....

 

[Masky]

Had my last drink 21 years ago. Don't miss it at all and feel much better for it. Vetch makes a very valid point. I replaced alcohol with running and still do a (not)parkrun every week. Aged 70 now, a bit overweight and slowed down quite a bit, but I'm glad that I can still go out and run.

Fug me IB, at 70 years of age that makes you one of the oldest posters on here! I was a runner for many years, but I cannot stop my calves from pulling....down to fell running which stopped a lot of colleagues! I cycled down to a couple (separately) of fellow musicians the other day, hadn’t seen them since lockdown and commented on one looking as though he’d lost weight, said he hasn’t been drinking his Guinness etc. When I called on the other a bit later, exactly the same situation! Good on you IB! Whiskey for sale!