I think the 'too much on a weekly basis' may be a person by person thing. For me I can't do more than 3 drinks in a week IF I have any (I go for months without). Because I drink so seldom I don't think to count it as part of my diet caloric intake. As for increasing your appetite - I've never noticed that it made me want more to eat, but I can say that it sure makes me more likely to eat without really thinking about what I'm eating and why - which can be problematic at a party where there's an abundance of chips, salsa, sweets, etc. So I DEFINITELY limit my intake in those situations.

Hello ordinary girl with an extra ordinary reply! You did it with this, "but I can say that it sure makes me more likely to eat without really thinking about what I'm eating and why."

Exactly. I wish I would have thought to ask if it lowers inhibitions around food. Took an eagle eye from you to spot a good discussion in the making.

And I love beer at outings but it is never worth the bloat and gain I have for the next few days.

Dear editor

I agree with ordinarygirl in that it may be a person by person thing. My alchol consumption changed when I was diagnosed as Bipolar over fifteen years ago. Self-medicating is no way to go through life. Since I have a mind-altering disorder already going on, it is important not to add fuel to the fire, so to speak.

I now have the occassional glass of wine...doctor approved, of course. More of a social thing these days. I do believe it stimulates ones appetite in small doses, and when celebrating or going to a special event...I give myself permission to indulge in delicious food that I would typically stay away from.

I am also Bi-Polar (diagnosed over a quarter a century ago). I thought I could self-medicate in my early years when I didn't believe that medication had to be a life-time commitment on my part. So, like you I cannot drink except for that special occasion and it must be done with great moderation. I note when I do have a drink or two all restrictions with food is tossed right out the window. Not having it in the house is my patrolman. Outings are a rarity, so I am safe from slowing down my metabolism worse than it already is.

I'm loosely following theweight watcher's plan. A lite beer is worth 3 points. I have to have a taste for it, or be at a social function, where I always limit myself to one. A case of beer would last a year in my house.

Good for you, bluefish. I am not a WW member but I know enough about it to know I would rather chew on a 3 point snack than to swallow it!

Thanks. I was wrong about the points - a regular beer is 3 pts, a lite beer is 2 points. Either way, if I do have a taste for one, its always limited to one.