I wanted to share with you a question that I received yesterday from one of our members that she posted on our members’ forum MyBodyProject.com. I want to share my response with you because I think it is a question a lot of women ask…and frankly…most get wrong.

Q: I know alcohol is certainly not recommended in our journey towards success – but I wanted to ask a question of when the time arises (weddings, parties, etc) what do you think is the best choice?

Would a light beer be the equivalent of a sugar/fat free item that we should avoid because they add something to it to get to the “light” version?

We know that wine (esp reds) have health / heart benefits – but is it too much sugar?

Thanks so much ! -MB

Here was my response…

Hi ladies -

This may not be the answer you think I would give…but here is my take:

DRINK WHAT YOU LIKE TO DRINK.

I personally am a self-admitted beer and wine snob (ok, bit of an exaggeration) – but I don’t like lite beer, so I don’t drink it. If I feel like red wine because it adds to the enjoyment of a meal, I’ll drink red wine. If I feel like white wine, I drink it. If I want a margarita, vodka tonic, bourbon…or whatever it is, I drink it.

I don’t care about the calories. And honestly, I really don’t think about the “antioxidants” in wine versus beer. Adult beverages are meant to be enjoyed – enjoyed on special occasions or with a nice meal. You should never drink with the intention of it relaxing you, getting you “feeling better,” or just for the sake of drinking – and it should be done ONLY in moderation not just for health reasons, but mainly because you know you’ll feel like junk the next day and who really wants to feel that way?

So when you do drink on those special occasions, drink what you enjoy, and drink it in moderation…and most importantly ENJOY it! If you’re thinking about “what has more calories” or what has “more antioxidants” you’re mindset is in the wrong place…this is what TRANSFORMATION is all about…being able to move away from the “noise” in the media and what “they” say about what you should or shouldn’t eat or drink and owning your body and owning your choices.

You’re not doing this everyday (or at least I hope not)…so like those special occasion meals at a great event or great restaurant, or an indulgent, decadent dessert – you’re eating to ENJOY and to experience it, you’re not eating (or not eating) to reward or punish your body.

That’s no way to live your life.

I hope this makes sense…bottom line, try not to overthink it…it’s all about balance And when you find that balance, you will feel so liberated!

So go ahead and enjoy that beer that you actually like the taste of (light or dark), that glass of wine (white, red or pink), or nice bourbon… (my family is from Kentucky, so that is what I know!)

Really great question…you’re not the only one who asks this!

-Lindsay